Moving from Evansville, IN to Topeka, KS
The 479 mi from Evansville to Topeka translate to about 9h 6m behind the wheel through 4 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.
479 mi Β· 9h 6m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Evansville | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.528 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.717 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.318 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.735 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Topeka and Evansville 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 values in Evansville and Topeka are within 5% of each other ($198,977 vs $190,096 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Evansville +3.7%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Evansville | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.8" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Evansville (59.1Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: EVANSVILLE MUSEUM, IN US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Evansville | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,441 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $52,251 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 3.0%: $52,251 in Evansville 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 Indiana 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
Is Topeka more expensive than Evansville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 3.0% lower than Evansville (88.82 vs 91.528, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Evansville to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 479 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Topeka, KS from Evansville, IN?
The driving distance is 479 mi and the route typically takes 9h 6m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Evansville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $41,930 in the Evansville MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 152,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Evansville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $198,977 in Evansville β a 4.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Evansville vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $52,251 in Evansville β a 7.0% 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 Evansville.
City profiles: Evansville, IN Β· Topeka, KS.