Moving from Fayetteville, NC to Topeka, KS
Relocating 1116 mi from Fayetteville to Topeka is a 21h 33m drive through 8 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.
1116 mi Β· 21h 33m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β KY β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, SR 62 |
| Major cities en route | Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Evansville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fayetteville | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.978 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.779 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.081 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.978 vs 88.82 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 3.4% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fayetteville +0.3%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fayetteville | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 47.9" | 37.3" |
Expect 7.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FAYETTEVILLE (PWC), NC US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fayetteville | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,692 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $56,395 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 30.7 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.6% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.57 | 2.32 |
Median household incomes in Fayetteville ($56,395) and Topeka ($55,902) are within a few percent (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 North Carolina 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-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
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 much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Fayetteville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $225,534 in Fayetteville β a 15.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Fayetteville vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $56,395 in Fayetteville β a 0.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Fayetteville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 3.4% lower than Fayetteville (88.82 vs 91.978, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fayetteville to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1116 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 Fayetteville, NC?
The driving distance is 1116 mi and the route typically takes 21h 33m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Fayetteville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $41,480 in the Fayetteville MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 130,480 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 Fayetteville.
City profiles: Fayetteville, NC Β· Topeka, KS.