Moving from Little Rock, AR to Topeka, KS
It is a 483 mi drive, roughly 8h 37m, between Little Rock, AR and Topeka, KS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
483 mi Β· 8h 37m by car Β· AR β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AR β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 49, US 71, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.364 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 0.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Little Rock | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 37.3" |
Annual temperature drops 6.8Β°F moving to Topeka per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.32 |
Households in Topeka earn about 0.6% less at the median β 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 Arkansas 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
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $216,519 in Little Rock β a 12.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 483 mi and the route typically takes 8h 37m via I 49 and US 71. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 0.6% lower than Little Rock (88.82 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $60,583 in Little Rock β a 7.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 345,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 483 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 Little Rock.
City profiles: Little Rock, AR Β· Topeka, KS.