Moving from Aurora, CO to Topeka, KS
The drive from Aurora, CO to Topeka, KS runs 524 mi β about 8h 51m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
524 mi Β· 8h 51m by car Β· CO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, CR 73 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Aurora | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Topeka are 16.0% below Aurora β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Topeka typical home at $190,096 is 16.0% under Aurora at $463,081 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Aurora -4.3%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Aurora | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 54.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Aurora | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 390,201 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $84,320 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.73 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 16.0% between Aurora and Topeka (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Topeka MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,950 | $39,390 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,940 | $41,900 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 8,460 | $63,790 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 8,420 | $27,880 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 8,350 | $70,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Colorado and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Aurora?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $463,081 in Aurora β a 58.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Aurora?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 16.0% lower than Aurora (88.82 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Aurora?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $58,490 in the Aurora MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Aurora vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $84,320 in Aurora β a 33.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Aurora, CO?
The driving distance is 524 mi and the route typically takes 8h 51m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Aurora to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 524 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Aurora.
City profiles: Aurora, CO Β· Topeka, KS.