Moving from Overland Park, KS to Topeka, KS
The 64 mi from Overland Park to Topeka translate to about 1h 19m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
64 mi Β· 1h 19m by car Β· KS
Distance & route
| Route through | KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | KS 10, I 70, I 435 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka and Overland Park are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.543 vs 88.82); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Topeka typical home at $190,096 is 4.0% under Overland Park at $482,295 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Overland Park | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 37.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.1Β°F vs 54.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.0% between Overland Park and Topeka (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.
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.
Frequently asked
How far is Topeka, KS from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 64 mi and the route typically takes 1h 19m via KS 10 and I 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 64 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Topeka more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 4.0% lower than Overland Park (88.82 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $103,838 in Overland Park β a 46.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $482,295 in Overland Park β a 60.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS Β· Topeka, KS.