Moving from Fargo, ND to Topeka, KS
Relocating 582 mi from Fargo to Topeka is a 10h 8m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
582 mi Β· 10h 8m by car Β· ND β SD β IA β NE β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | ND β SD β IA β NE β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 81, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fargo | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.871 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.324 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.654 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 81.142 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Fargo and Topeka sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $314,973 in Fargo to $190,096 in Topeka, a 2.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Fargo +4.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fargo | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 41Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | -2Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 24.4" | 37.3" |
Expect 13.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FARGO 3S, ND US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fargo | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 129,064 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $66,029 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.3% lower in Topeka than Fargo.
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 North Dakota 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
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Fargo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.3% lower than Fargo (88.82 vs 90.871, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fargo to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 582 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 Fargo, ND?
The driving distance is 582 mi and the route typically takes 10h 8m via I 29 and US 81. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fargo vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $66,029 in Fargo β a 15.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Fargo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $314,973 in Fargo β a 39.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Fargo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,110 in the Fargo MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 145,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fargo.
City profiles: Fargo, ND Β· Topeka, KS.