Moving from Denver, CO to Topeka, KS
The drive from Denver, CO to Topeka, KS runs 532 mi β about 9h 2m 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.
532 mi Β· 9h 2m by car Β· CO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Centennial, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Denver | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka is 16.0% cheaper than Denver overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 16.0% below Denver β $539,666 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Denver -4.3%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Denver | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 49.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.4" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Denver (51.4Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER-STAPLETON, CO US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Denver | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 713,734 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $91,681 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.8% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.17 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 16.0% between Denver 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 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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β 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 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
Is Topeka more expensive than Denver?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 16.0% lower than Denver (88.82 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Denver vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $91,681 in Denver β a 39.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Denver to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 532 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 Denver?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $58,490 in the Denver MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Topeka, KS from Denver, CO?
The driving distance is 532 mi and the route typically takes 9h 2m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Denver?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $539,666 in Denver β a 64.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Denver.
City profiles: Denver, CO Β· Topeka, KS.