Moving from Cambridge, MA to Peoria, IL
Relocating 1124 mi from Cambridge to Peoria is a 21h 20m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1124 mi Β· 21h 20m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Lowell, Providence, Worcester |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | 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 |
Overall cost of living drops 15.7% moving from Cambridge to Peoria β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $1,041,569 in Cambridge to $128,838 in Peoria, a 15.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 37.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°F vs 52.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
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: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.29 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.7% β $126,469 β $58,716 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β 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 β 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 Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 87.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 53.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Peoria, IL from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1124 mi and the route typically takes 21h 20m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Peoria more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 15.7% lower than Cambridge (91.231 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1124 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Peoria, IL.