Moving from Peoria, IL to Murfreesboro, TN
Moving from Peoria, IL to Murfreesboro, TN covers 462 mi and about 8h 51m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
462 mi · 8h 51m by car · TN → KY → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 57, US 51 |
| Major cities en route | Clarksville, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Murfreesboro | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 96.338 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 71.95 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 104.626 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 5.6% pricier overall in Murfreesboro than Peoria on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Murfreesboro typical home at $426,292 is 5.6% above Peoria at $128,838 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Murfreesboro +0.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 28°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 2.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 55.9" |
Murfreesboro runs 6.2°F warmer on the annual average (52.7°F vs 58.9°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Expect 2.2 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Murfreesboro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 157,547 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $76,241 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 31.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 26.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.69 |
Median household income in Murfreesboro is 5.6% above Peoria ($58,716 vs $76,241, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Murfreesboro MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 151,390 | $44,110 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 122,460 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 97,370 | $30,460 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 87,620 | $35,950 |
| Management Occupations | 87,180 | $106,770 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Murfreesboro averages 55.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Murfreesboro?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Murfreesboro vs 52.7°F in Peoria (6.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.2 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 55.9 in vs 37.6 in.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Murfreesboro?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,241 in Murfreesboro vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 29.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Murfreesboro more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Murfreesboro is 5.6% higher than Peoria (96.338 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Murfreesboro compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,292 in Murfreesboro vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 230.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Murfreesboro, TN from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 462 mi and the route typically takes 8h 51m via I 24 and I 57. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Murfreesboro?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 462 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Murfreesboro compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,074,750 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Murfreesboro, TN.