Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Peoria, IL
Relocating between Milwaukee, WI and Peoria, IL is a 225 mi drive — 4h 22m 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.
225 mi · 4h 22m by car · WI → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, US 51, US 45 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Expect about 5.9% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Peoria at 91.231 vs Milwaukee at 96.937.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.9% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $220,137 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3°F) and Peoria (52.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.29 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.9% higher in Peoria than Milwaukee.
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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
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 — 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 far is Peoria, IL from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 225 mi and the route typically takes 4h 22m via I 39 and US 51. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee 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 225 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 13.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (4.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 33.8 in.
Is Peoria more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 5.9% lower than Milwaukee (91.231 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 41.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Peoria, IL.