Moving from Paterson, NJ to Peoria, IL
Relocating 915 mi from Paterson to Peoria is a 17h 8m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
915 mi Β· 17h 8m by car Β· NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, IL 29 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Yonkers, Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Paterson | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Expect about 19.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Peoria at 91.231 vs Paterson at 112.563.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 19.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $528,882 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Paterson +5.0%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Paterson | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Paterson (53.1Β°F) and Peoria (52.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE FALLS, NJ US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Paterson | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,660 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $53,766 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 9.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.17 | 2.29 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 19.0% higher in Peoria than Paterson.
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 New Jersey 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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.
- 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 Paterson?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 19.0% lower than Paterson (91.231 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Paterson?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $59,390 in the Paterson MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Paterson vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $53,766 in Paterson β a 9.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Paterson?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $528,882 in Paterson β a 75.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Paterson, NJ?
The driving distance is 915 mi and the route typically takes 17h 8m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Paterson to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 915 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 Paterson.
City profiles: Paterson, NJ Β· Peoria, IL.