Moving from Round Rock, TX to Topeka, KS
The drive from Round Rock, TX to Topeka, KS runs 659 mi — about 11h 26m 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.
659 mi · 11h 26m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 335, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka is 9.4% cheaper than Round Rock overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 9.4% below Round Rock — $407,077 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 9.4% between Round Rock 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.
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 Round Rock to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 659 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 53.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 659 mi and the route typically takes 11h 26m via I 35 and I 335. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 42.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 9.4% lower than Round Rock (88.82 vs 98.066, 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Topeka, KS.