Moving from Independence, MO to Peoria, IL
Relocating between Independence, MO and Peoria, IL is a 386 mi drive — 7h 26m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
386 mi · 7h 26m by car · MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Independence | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
1.4% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Independence +2.6%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Independence | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 54°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.2" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: INDEPENDENCE, MO US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Independence | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,944 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $59,480 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.29 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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
Is Peoria more expensive than Independence?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 1.4% lower than Independence (91.231 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Independence vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $59,480 in Independence — a 1.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Independence and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 54.0°F in Independence (1.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 13.2 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 44.7 in.
How far is Peoria, IL from Independence, MO?
The driving distance is 386 mi and the route typically takes 7h 26m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Independence?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $208,158 in Independence — a 38.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Independence 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 386 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 Independence?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,040 in the Independence MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Independence.
City profiles: Independence, MO · Peoria, IL.