Moving from Billings, MT to Topeka, KS
Relocating 1005 mi from Billings to Topeka is a 17h 48m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1005 mi Β· 17h 48m by car Β· KS β NE β IA β SD β WY β MT
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β NE β IA β SD β WY β MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, I 29 |
| Major cities en route | Omaha, Sioux Falls |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 5.0% moving from Billings to Topeka β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $392,209 in Billings to $190,096 in Topeka, a 5.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Billings | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 37.3" |
Expect 6.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 5.0% β $71,855 β $55,902 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Montana 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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
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 Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $392,209 in Billings β a 51.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1005 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $71,855 in Billings β a 22.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 5.0% lower than Billings (88.82 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1005 mi and the route typically takes 17h 48m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT Β· Topeka, KS.