Moving from Peoria, IL to Independence, MO
It is a 386 mi drive, roughly 7h 26m, between Peoria, IL and Independence, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
386 mi · 7h 26m by car · MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Peoria and Independence sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $128,838 in Peoria to $208,158 in Independence, a 1.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.7°F vs 54.0°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Independence sees 13.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.39 |
Household income lines up — $58,716 vs $59,480 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Independence more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 1.4% higher than Peoria (92.543 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 52.7°F in Peoria (1.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 37.6 in.
How far is Independence, MO from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 386 mi and the route typically takes 7h 26m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 386 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 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 Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 1.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 61.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Independence, MO.