Moving from Fairfield, CA to Topeka, KS
Moving from Fairfield, CA to Topeka, KS is a 1737 mi cross-country relocation β about 29h 30m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1737 mi Β· 29h 30m by car Β· KS β CO β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Denver, Lakewood, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fairfield | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.479 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.993 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 142.042 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 108.479 to 88.82, putting Topeka roughly 18.1% below Fairfield on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Topeka: 18.1% below Fairfield on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fairfield -2.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fairfield | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.5" | 37.3" |
Topeka is 6.8Β°F cooler on the annual average (61.7Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FAIRFIELD, CA US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fairfield | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,985 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $102,321 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.8 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.8% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 3.16 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 18.1% below Fairfield ($102,321 vs $55,902, ACS 5-year 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 California 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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
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
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Fairfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $53,520 in the Fairfield MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 137,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Topeka more expensive than Fairfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 18.1% lower than Fairfield (88.82 vs 108.479, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Fairfield, CA?
The driving distance is 1737 mi and the route typically takes 29h 30m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fairfield vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $102,321 in Fairfield β a 45.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Fairfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $609,269 in Fairfield β a 68.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fairfield to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1737 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 Fairfield.
City profiles: Fairfield, CA Β· Topeka, KS.