Moving from Rockford, IL to Peoria, IL
The 137 mi from Rockford to Peoria 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
| Rockford | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.154 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.378 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 70.076 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Rockford (92.154) and Peoria (91.231) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Peoria: 1.0% below Rockford on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rockford +9.9%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rockford | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 15°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 37.1" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.2" | 37.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rockford | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $53,328 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.29 |
Income steps up 1.0%: $53,328 in Rockford vs $58,716 in Peoria.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,760 | $41,540 |
| Production Occupations | 15,910 | $46,610 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,790 | $29,380 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,580 | $38,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 13,350 | $71,500 |
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: Peoria averages 26.2 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 Peoria compared to Rockford?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $177,225 in Rockford — a 27.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Rockford?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 1.0% lower than Rockford (91.231 vs 92.154, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Rockford?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $44,810 in the Rockford MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 138,920 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Rockford and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 49.4°F in Rockford (3.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 37.1 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 37.2 in.
How far is Peoria, IL from Rockford, 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 household income compare in Rockford vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $53,328 in Rockford — a 10.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rockford to Peoria?
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 Rockford.
City profiles: Rockford, IL · Peoria, IL.