Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Topeka, KS
Relocating between Cedar Rapids, IA and Topeka, KS is a 371 mi drive β 6h 59m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
371 mi Β· 6h 59m by car Β· IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 30, US 218 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.963 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 around 0.2% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 37.3" |
Expect 6.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.2% lower in Topeka than Cedar Rapids.
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 Iowa 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
- 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 the job market in Topeka compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 17.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 371 mi and the route typically takes 6h 59m via I 35 and US 30. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 371 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 6.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 0.2% lower than Cedar Rapids (88.82 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Topeka, KS.