Moving from Madison, WI to Topeka, KS
It is 536 mi between Madison and Topeka β roughly 10h 19m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
536 mi Β· 10h 19m by car Β· WI β IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 151, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 8.7% cheaper overall in Topeka than Madison on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 37.3" |
Annual temperature rises 7.7Β°F moving to Topeka per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.32 |
Topeka households earn about 8.7% less than Madison at the median β $76,983 β $55,902 on 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 far is Topeka, KS from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 536 mi and the route typically takes 10h 19m via I 35 and US 151. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $76,983 in Madison β a 27.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 536 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $423,767 in Madison β a 55.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 8.7% lower than Madison (88.82 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Topeka, KS.