Moving from College Station, TX to Topeka, KS
The drive from College Station, TX to Topeka, KS runs 664 mi β about 11h 31m 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.
664 mi Β· 11h 31m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 335, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Topeka and College Station is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 2.3% below College Station β $349,041 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 37.3" |
Climate cools by 14.5Β°F on the annual average β 69.4Β°F β 54.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 2.3%: $51,776 in College Station vs $55,902 in Topeka.
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 (14.5Β°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 College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $349,041 in College Station β a 45.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.3% lower than College Station (88.82 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 664 mi and the route typically takes 11h 31m via I 35 and I 335. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $51,776 in College Station β a 8.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 664 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 College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Topeka, KS.