Moving from Peoria, IL to Topeka, KS
Relocating between Peoria, IL and Topeka, KS is a 449 mi drive β 8h 28m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
449 mi Β· 8h 28m by car Β· KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Peoria and Topeka sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $128,838 in Peoria to $190,096 in Topeka, a 2.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Peoria | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 37.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.7Β°F vs 54.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.32 |
Household income lines up β $58,716 vs $55,902 on 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 Illinois 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
- 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 Peoria vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $58,716 in Peoria β a 4.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 449 mi and the route typically takes 8h 28m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 449 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 Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $128,838 in Peoria β a 47.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.6% lower than Peoria (88.82 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL Β· Topeka, KS.