Moving from Brownsville, TX to Peoria, IL
A move from Brownsville, TX to Peoria, IL covers 1303 mi and around 24h 36m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1303 mi Β· 24h 36m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, US 77, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pearland, Pasadena |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brownsville | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.975 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.15 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 57.72 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.1% pricier overall in Peoria than Brownsville on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 6.1% under Brownsville at $195,993 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Brownsville +2.1%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Brownsville | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.6" |
NOAA normals show Peoria running 21.7Β°F below Brownsville on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Peoria sees 26.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brownsville | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 188,023 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $48,675 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 30.9 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.21 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 6.1% above Brownsville ($48,675 vs $58,716, ACS 5-year 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 Texas 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Peoria averages 26.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 does household income compare in Brownsville vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $48,675 in Brownsville β a 20.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Brownsville to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1303 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Peoria more expensive than Brownsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 6.1% higher than Brownsville (91.231 vs 85.975, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Peoria, IL from Brownsville, TX?
The driving distance is 1303 mi and the route typically takes 24h 36m via US 59 and US 77. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Brownsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 154,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Brownsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $195,993 in Brownsville β a 34.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brownsville.
City profiles: Brownsville, TX Β· Peoria, IL.