Moving from Des Moines, IA to Topeka, KS
The 254 mi from Des Moines to Topeka translate to about 4h 46m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
254 mi Β· 4h 46m by car Β· IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 70, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Des Moines (91.701) 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
Moderate housing drop: Topeka ZHVI at $190,096 is 3.1% below Des Moines at $208,166.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Des Moines | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 37.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 3.1%: $63,966 in Des Moines 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 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 far is Topeka, KS from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 254 mi and the route typically takes 4h 46m via I 35 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $63,966 in Des Moines β a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $208,166 in Des Moines β a 8.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 3.1% lower than Des Moines (88.82 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 254 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA Β· Topeka, KS.