Moving from Peoria, IL to Elizabeth, NJ
Relocating 922 mi from Peoria to Elizabeth is a 17h 23m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
922 mi · 17h 23m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, IL 29 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 23.4% above Peoria — one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
23.4% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 46.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 31.5 in of snowfall annually at Elizabeth.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 23.4% higher in Elizabeth than Peoria.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- 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: Elizabeth averages 31.5 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 8.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 922 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 23.4% higher than Peoria (112.563 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 52.7°F in Peoria (2.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 37.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 315.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 922 mi and the route typically takes 17h 23m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 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 · Elizabeth, NJ.