Moving from Colorado Springs, CO to Topeka, KS
The drive from Colorado Springs, CO to Topeka, KS runs 520 mi — about 9h 18m 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.
520 mi · 9h 18m by car · CO → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 24 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Colorado Springs | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.707 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.195 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 116.207 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka is 11.8% cheaper than Colorado Springs overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 11.8% below Colorado Springs — $449,452 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Colorado Springs -2.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Colorado Springs | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.5" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Colorado Springs (50.5°F) and Topeka (54.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Colorado Springs | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 483,099 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $83,198 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.8% between Colorado Springs 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 Colorado 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks April through June — 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 Colorado Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $449,452 in Colorado Springs — a 57.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Colorado Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 11.8% lower than Colorado Springs (88.82 vs 100.707, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Colorado Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 310,390 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Colorado Springs vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $83,198 in Colorado Springs — a 32.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Colorado Springs, CO?
The driving distance is 520 mi and the route typically takes 9h 18m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Colorado Springs to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 520 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Colorado Springs.
City profiles: Colorado Springs, CO · Topeka, KS.