Moving from Springfield, IL to Topeka, KS
The 372 mi from Springfield to Topeka translate to about 7h 3m behind the wheel through 3 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.
372 mi Β· 7h 3m 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, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka and Springfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (92.745 vs 88.82); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 4.2% higher in Topeka than Springfield as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 37.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.9Β°F vs 54.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 4.2%: $65,537 in Springfield vs $55,902 in Topeka.
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
Is Topeka more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 4.2% lower than Springfield (88.82 vs 92.745, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 372 mi and the route typically takes 7h 3m 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 Springfield to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 372 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 16.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 14.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Topeka, KS.