Moving from Wichita, KS to Peoria, IL
A move from Wichita, KS to Peoria, IL covers 585 mi and around 10h 46m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
585 mi · 10h 46m by car · KS → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Peoria and Wichita is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Peoria is 2.6% below Wichita — $202,720 vs $128,838 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wichita | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 37.6" |
Peoria is 5.0°F cooler on the annual average (57.7°F vs 52.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: WICHITA, KS US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 2.6% below Wichita ($63,072 → $58,716, ACS 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 — 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.
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.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $63,072 in Wichita — a 6.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Wichita and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 57.7°F in Wichita (5.0°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 12.7 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 34.3 in.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $202,720 in Wichita — a 36.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 2.6% higher than Wichita (91.231 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Wichita 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 585 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Peoria, IL from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 585 mi and the route typically takes 10h 46m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 303,910 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS · Peoria, IL.