Moving from Peoria, IL to Columbus, OH
The 390 mi from Peoria to Columbus translate to about 7h 26m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
390 mi Β· 7h 26m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, I 70, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Peoria (91.231) and Columbus (95.469) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Columbus: 4.6% above Peoria on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Peoria | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.34 |
Income steps up 4.6%: $58,716 in Peoria vs $65,327 in Columbus.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 390 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $58,716 in Peoria β a 11.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbus more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 4.6% higher than Peoria (95.469 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $128,838 in Peoria β a 90.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Columbus, OH from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 390 mi and the route typically takes 7h 26m via I 74 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 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 Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL Β· Columbus, OH.