Moving from Peoria, IL to Madison, WI
The 209 mi from Peoria to Madison translate to about 4h 9m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
209 mi · 4h 9m by car · WI → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, US 51, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.6% pricier overall in Madison than Peoria on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Madison typical home at $423,767 is 6.6% above Peoria at $128,838 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 47°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 11°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 82°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 40.2" |
Climate cools by 5.5°F on the annual average — 52.7°F → 47.2°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.19 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.6% between Peoria and Madison (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 228.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Madison, WI from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 209 mi and the route typically takes 4h 9m via I 39 and US 51. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 6.6% higher than Peoria (97.287 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 31.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 209 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Madison, WI.