Moving from Manchester, NH to Topeka, KS
Moving from Manchester, NH to Topeka, KS is a 1513 mi cross-country relocation β about 28h 48m of driving through 10 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1513 mi Β· 28h 48m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Kansas City, Overland Park, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Manchester | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.657 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.535 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.687 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 134.22 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka is 15.9% cheaper than Manchester overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 15.9% below Manchester β $435,334 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Manchester +1.5%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Manchester | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 13Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 52.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 42.5" | 37.3" |
Topeka runs 7.5Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.4Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Manchester | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 115,415 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $77,415 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 15.9% below Manchester ($77,415 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 New Hampshire 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
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 does household income compare in Manchester vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $77,415 in Manchester β a 27.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Manchester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 15.9% lower than Manchester (88.82 vs 105.657, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Manchester to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1513 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 Manchester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $435,334 in Manchester β a 56.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Manchester, NH?
The driving distance is 1513 mi and the route typically takes 28h 48m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Manchester.
City profiles: Manchester, NH Β· Topeka, KS.