Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Topeka, KS
The drive from Milwaukee, WI to Topeka, KS runs 627 mi β about 11h 31m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
627 mi Β· 11h 31m by car Β· WI β IL β IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 35, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 96.937 to 88.82, putting Topeka roughly 8.4% below Milwaukee on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Topeka ZHVI at $190,096 is 8.4% below Milwaukee at $220,137.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 37.3" |
Climate warms by 6.6Β°F on the annual average β 48.3Β°F β 54.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 8.4%: $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $55,902 in Topeka.
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 much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 13.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 627 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 Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 627 mi and the route typically takes 11h 31m via I 80 and I 35. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 7.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 8.4% lower than Milwaukee (88.82 vs 96.937, 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 Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Topeka, KS.