Moving from Boston, MA to Peoria, IL
The drive from Boston, MA to Peoria, IL runs 1129 mi — about 21h 25m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1129 mi · 21h 25m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Cambridge, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Boston | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.266 to 91.231, putting Peoria roughly 15.7% below Boston on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Peoria: 15.7% below Boston on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Boston -0.4%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Boston | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.2" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.6" | 37.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BOSTON LOGAN INTL AP, MA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Boston | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 663,972 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $94,755 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 33.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.29 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 15.7% between Boston and Peoria (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,760 | $41,540 |
| Production Occupations | 15,910 | $46,610 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,790 | $29,380 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,580 | $38,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 13,350 | $71,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Massachusetts and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Peoria averages 26.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Boston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $798,217 in Boston — a 83.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Boston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 15.7% lower than Boston (91.231 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Boston vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $94,755 in Boston — a 38.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Boston to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1129 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Peoria, IL from Boston, MA?
The driving distance is 1129 mi and the route typically takes 21h 25m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Boston and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 51.9°F in Boston (0.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 49.2 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 43.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Boston.
City profiles: Boston, MA · Peoria, IL.