Moving from Montgomery, AL to Topeka, KS
A move from Montgomery, AL to Topeka, KS covers 836 mi and around 16h 11m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
836 mi Β· 16h 11m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 22, US 63, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Memphis, Springfield, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Montgomery (89.682) and Topeka (88.82) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Topeka: 1.0% above Montgomery on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 37.3" |
Topeka is 13.0Β°F cooler on the annual average (67.9Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.32 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Alabama 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.0Β°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
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 836 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 0.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Topeka more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 1.0% lower than Montgomery (88.82 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 836 mi and the route typically takes 16h 11m via I 22 and US 63. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 25.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Topeka, KS.