Moving from Detroit, MI to Peoria, IL
The 412 mi from Detroit to Peoria translate to about 7h 53m 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.
412 mi Β· 7h 53m by car Β· MI β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, IL 29 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Detroit | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.298 to 91.231, putting Peoria roughly 9.0% below Detroit on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Peoria: 9.0% above Detroit on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Detroit -3.0%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Detroit | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.9" | 37.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DEARBORN #2, MI US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Detroit | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 636,644 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $39,575 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.51 | 2.29 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.0% between Detroit and Peoria (ACS 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 Michigan 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
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.
- 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 Detroit vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $39,575 in Detroit β a 48.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than Detroit?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 9.0% lower than Detroit (91.231 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Detroit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,950 in the Detroit MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Detroit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $75,358 in Detroit β a 71.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Detroit, MI?
The driving distance is 412 mi and the route typically takes 7h 53m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 412 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Detroit.
City profiles: Detroit, MI Β· Peoria, IL.