Moving from Columbia, MO to Peoria, AZ
Relocating 1365 mi from Columbia to Peoria is a 24h 29m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1365 mi · 24h 29m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Surprise, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.5% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.5% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $321,091 to $488,596 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Peoria -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 9.6" |
Expect 14.0°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Peoria gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 194,338 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $93,403 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 42.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.5% — $64,488 → $93,403 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 | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Peoria average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Peoria sees only 9.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.0°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Columbia and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.2°F in Peoria vs 56.2°F in Columbia (14.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 17.4 in. Annual precipitation: 9.6 in vs 44.8 in.
How far is Peoria, AZ from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 1365 mi and the route typically takes 24h 29m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $488,596 in Peoria vs $321,091 in Columbia — a 52.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Peoria MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbia 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 1365 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $93,403 in Peoria vs $64,488 in Columbia — a 44.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 15.5% higher than Columbia (103.316 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO · Peoria, AZ.