Moving from Clearwater, FL to Peoria, IL
Relocating 1157 mi from Clearwater to Peoria is a 21h 41m drive through 5 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.
1157 mi Β· 21h 41m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | St Petersburg, Tampa, Lakeland, Gainesville, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.6% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Peoria at 91.231 vs Clearwater at 100.89.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $339,488 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 37.6" |
Expect 21.2Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.29 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 9.6% lower in Peoria than Clearwater.
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 Florida 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.2Β°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 far is Peoria, IL from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 1157 mi and the route typically takes 21h 41m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Peoria more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 9.6% lower than Clearwater (91.231 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1157 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 8.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 62.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Peoria, IL.