Moving from Mesa, AZ to Peoria, IL
Cross-country relocations like Mesa, AZ β Peoria, IL cover 1620 mi and about 29h 3m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1620 mi Β· 29h 3m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | 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 |
Overall prices in Peoria are 11.7% below Mesa β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 11.7% under Mesa at $435,134 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 37.6" |
NOAA normals show Peoria running 19.6Β°F below Mesa on the annual mean.
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: E MESA, AZ US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.29 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.7% between Mesa 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 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 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
- 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
- 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.6Β°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
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa 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 Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 70.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 11.7% lower than Mesa (91.231 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1620 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Peoria, IL from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 1620 mi and the route typically takes 29h 3m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mesa vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 25.5% 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 Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Peoria, IL.