Moving from Topeka, KS to Peoria, IL
It is a 449 mi drive, roughly 8h 28m, between Topeka, KS and Peoria, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
449 mi Β· 8h 28m by car Β· KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.82 vs 91.231 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Peoria (52.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.29 |
Households in Peoria earn about 2.7% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Kansas 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 β 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.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 5.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Peoria, IL from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 449 mi and the route typically takes 8h 28m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 449 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 32.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Peoria more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 2.7% higher than Topeka (91.231 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Peoria, IL.