Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Topeka, KS
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Topeka, KS covers 345 mi and about 6h 26m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
345 mi Β· 6h 26m by car Β· SD β IA β NE β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | SD β IA β NE β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 29, US 75, I 229 BUSINESS |
| Major cities en route | Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sioux Falls | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.631 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.7 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.472 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.605 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Sioux Falls (90.631) 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 cheaper in Topeka: 2.0% below Sioux Falls on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sioux Falls +1.5%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sioux Falls | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 28.3" | 37.3" |
Topeka runs 8.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (46.6Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SIOUX FALLS WFO AP, SD US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sioux Falls | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,642 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $74,714 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 2.0% below Sioux Falls ($74,714 vs $55,902, 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 South Dakota 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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 345 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 Sioux Falls vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $74,714 in Sioux Falls β a 25.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Sioux Falls?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $45,440 in the Sioux Falls MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 165,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Topeka, KS from Sioux Falls, SD?
The driving distance is 345 mi and the route typically takes 6h 26m via I 29 and US 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than Sioux Falls?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.0% lower than Sioux Falls (88.82 vs 90.631, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Sioux Falls?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $329,723 in Sioux Falls β a 42.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sioux Falls.
City profiles: Sioux Falls, SD Β· Topeka, KS.