Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Topeka, KS
Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Topeka, KS covers 488 mi and about 8h 25m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
488 mi Β· 8h 25m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 88.82, putting Topeka roughly 13.8% below Fort Worth on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Topeka: 13.8% below Fort Worth on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.3" |
Topeka is 12.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (67.5Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 13.8% below Fort Worth ($76,602 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 Texas 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 36.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 488 mi and the route typically takes 8h 25m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 27.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 13.8% lower than Fort Worth (88.82 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 488 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 Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Topeka, KS.