Moving from Peoria, IL to Rockford, IL
The 137 mi from Peoria to Rockford translate to about 2h 46m behind the wheel through 1 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.
137 mi · 2h 46m by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, US 51, IL 29 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 70.076 | 100.0 |
Rockford and Peoria are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.231 vs 92.154); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Rockford typical home at $177,225 is 1.0% above Peoria at $128,838 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 49°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 15°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 37.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.7°F vs 49.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Rockford sees 37.1 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, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.4 |
Income steps down 1.0%: $58,716 in Peoria vs $53,328 in Rockford.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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: Rockford averages 37.1 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 37.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rockford more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 1.0% higher than Peoria (92.154 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Rockford, IL from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 137 mi and the route typically takes 2h 46m via I 39 and US 51. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rockford compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 138,920 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 Rockford?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 49.4°F in Rockford vs 52.7°F in Peoria (3.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 37.1 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 37.2 in vs 37.6 in.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 9.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 137 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 · Rockford, IL.