Moving from Tempe, AZ to Peoria, IL
It is 1623 mi and 29h 5m from Tempe to Peoria — a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1623 mi · 29h 5m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Expect about 11.7% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Peoria at 91.231 vs Tempe at 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.7% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $468,281 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 37.6" |
Expect 19.1°F colder on average per year — plan for heating load and winter gear.
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.29 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.7% — $77,643 → $58,716 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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.
Moving between Arizona and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Peoria averages 26.2 in annually vs 0.0 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.1°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Peoria more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 11.7% lower than Tempe (91.231 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 1623 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Peoria, IL from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1623 mi and the route typically takes 29h 5m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 72.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 71.8°F in Tempe (19.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 8.8 in.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Peoria, IL.