Moving from Springfield, MA to Topeka, KS
Relocating 1408 mi from Springfield to Topeka is a 26h 38m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1408 mi Β· 26h 38m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.5% moving from Springfield 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
Zillow ZHVI drops from $294,613 in Springfield to $190,096 in Topeka, a 7.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 37.3" |
Expect 5.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.5% higher in Topeka than Springfield.
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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
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
Is Topeka more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 7.5% lower than Springfield (88.82 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 1408 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 Springfield vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 8.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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 $294,613 in Springfield β a 35.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 1408 mi and the route typically takes 26h 38m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 9 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Topeka, KS.