Moving from Dayton, OH to Topeka, KS
The drive from Dayton, OH to Topeka, KS runs 656 mi β about 12h 30m 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.
656 mi Β· 12h 30m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 24, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Dayton (92.694) and Topeka (88.82) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Topeka: 4.2% above Dayton on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dayton | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 37.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DAYTON MCD, OH US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.2% between Dayton 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 Ohio 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
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 656 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Topeka more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 4.2% lower than Dayton (88.82 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $136,592 in Dayton β a 39.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 656 mi and the route typically takes 12h 30m via I 70 and US 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $43,454 in Dayton β a 28.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH Β· Topeka, KS.