Moving from Glendale, AZ to Peoria, IL
Moving from Glendale, AZ to Peoria, IL is a 1673 mi cross-country relocation — about 29h 19m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1673 mi · 29h 19m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Surprise, Goodyear, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 91.231, putting Peoria roughly 11.7% below Glendale on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Peoria: 11.7% below Glendale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Glendale | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 41°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 37.6" |
Major climate step-down: 19.2°F cooler annual average in Peoria vs Glendale.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 11.7% below Glendale ($70,139 → $58,716, 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 Arizona 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.
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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Peoria averages 26.2 in annually vs 0.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.2°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
When is the best time to move from Glendale 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 1673 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $407,332 in Glendale — a 68.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Glendale and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 71.9°F in Glendale (19.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 8.3 in.
Is Peoria more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 11.7% lower than Glendale (91.231 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $70,139 in Glendale — a 16.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Peoria, IL from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1673 mi and the route typically takes 29h 19m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ · Peoria, IL.