Moving from Austin, TX to Topeka, KS
The drive from Austin, TX to Topeka, KS runs 675 mi β about 11h 41m 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.
675 mi Β· 11h 41m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka is 9.4% cheaper than Austin overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 9.4% below Austin β $508,530 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Austin | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 42Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | 37.3" |
Topeka runs 15.1Β°F colder on the annual average (70.0Β°F vs 54.9Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.4% between Austin 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $508,530 in Austin β a 62.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 9.4% lower than Austin (88.82 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 675 mi and the route typically takes 11h 41m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Austin to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 675 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Austin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $50,070 in the Austin MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Austin vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $91,461 in Austin β a 38.9% 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 Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX Β· Topeka, KS.