Moving from Columbus, OH to Peoria, IL
The 390 mi from Columbus to Peoria translate to about 7h 26m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
390 mi Β· 7h 26m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, I 70, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria and Columbus are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.469 vs 91.231); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 4.4% under Columbus at $245,979 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 37.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.8Β°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: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.29 |
Income steps down 4.4%: $65,327 in Columbus 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 Ohio 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.
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 does household income compare in Columbus vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $65,327 in Columbus β a 10.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Peoria, IL from Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 390 mi and the route typically takes 7h 26m via I 74 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $47,970 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,067,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 390 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $245,979 in Columbus β a 47.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 4.4% lower than Columbus (91.231 vs 95.469, 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 Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, OH Β· Peoria, IL.