Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Peoria, IL
The 175 mi from Cedar Rapids to Peoria translate to about 3h 18m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
175 mi · 3h 18m by car · IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, I 380 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria and Cedar Rapids are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.963 vs 91.231); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 2.5% under Cedar Rapids at $204,112 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 11°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 37.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.3°F vs 52.7°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Peoria sees 26.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.29 |
Income steps down 2.5%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $58,716 in Peoria.
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 Iowa 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.
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
Is Peoria more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 2.5% higher than Cedar Rapids (91.231 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids — a 13.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids 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 175 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids — a 36.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Peoria, IL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 175 mi and the route typically takes 3h 18m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA · Peoria, IL.