Moving from Pasadena, TX to Topeka, KS
It is 753 mi between Pasadena and Topeka β roughly 13h 11m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 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.
753 mi Β· 13h 11m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 45, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Pearland, League City, Houston, Sugar Land, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pasadena | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 9.9% moving from Pasadena to Topeka β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Topeka run about 9.9% cheaper β ZHVI $217,449 β $190,096 (2026-03).
YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pasadena | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 46Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperature drops 16.2Β°F β 71.1Β°F in Pasadena vs 54.9Β°F in Topeka, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pasadena | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,345 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $64,270 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.7% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 3 | 2.32 |
Households in Topeka earn about 9.9% less at the median β 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.2Β°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
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Pasadena?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 3,179,460 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Pasadena?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $217,449 in Pasadena β a 12.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Pasadena to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 753 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 Pasadena vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $64,270 in Pasadena β a 13.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Pasadena?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 9.9% lower than Pasadena (88.82 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Pasadena, TX?
The driving distance is 753 mi and the route typically takes 13h 11m via I 35 and I 45. The trip crosses 3 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 Pasadena.
City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Topeka, KS.