Moving from Birmingham, AL to Topeka, KS
It is 743 mi between Birmingham and Topeka β roughly 14h 28m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
743 mi Β· 14h 28m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 22, US 63, MO 13 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Springfield, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.644 vs 88.82 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 3.1% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $135,870 to $190,096 moving to Topeka.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Birmingham | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 35Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 37.3" |
Annual temperature drops 9.0Β°F moving to Topeka per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.32 |
Topeka households earn about 3.1% more than Birmingham at the median β $44,376 β $55,902 on 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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
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 does household income compare in Birmingham vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $44,376 in Birmingham β a 26.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Topeka, KS from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 743 mi and the route typically takes 14h 28m via I 22 and US 63. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 3.1% lower than Birmingham (88.82 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $135,870 in Birmingham β a 39.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 743 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 Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL Β· Topeka, KS.