Moving from Columbia, MO to Peoria, IL
It is a 276 mi drive, roughly 5h 23m, between Columbia, MO and Peoria, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
276 mi · 5h 23m by car · MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 72, US 36, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield |
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 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Columbia and Peoria sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $321,091 in Columbia to $128,838 in Peoria, a 2.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 37.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 56.2°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: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.29 |
Households in Peoria earn about 2.0% less at the median — 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 Missouri 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
What is the climate difference between Columbia and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 56.2°F in Columbia (3.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 17.4 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 44.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $321,091 in Columbia — a 59.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 276 mi and the route typically takes 5h 23m via I 72 and US 36. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 165,240 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 276 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Peoria more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 2.0% higher than Columbia (91.231 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $64,488 in Columbia — a 9.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO · Peoria, IL.