Moving from Toledo, OH to Topeka, KS
The drive from Toledo, OH to Topeka, KS runs 767 mi β about 14h 35m 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.
767 mi Β· 14h 35m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 69, SR 25 |
| Major cities en route | Fort Wayne, St Louis, Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Toledo | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.455 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.285 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 67.317 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Toledo (91.455) 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 pricier in Topeka: 2.9% above Toledo on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Toledo +5.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Toledo | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 37.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Toledo | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,461 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $47,532 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 2.9%: $47,532 in Toledo 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 Ohio 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 far is Topeka, KS from Toledo, OH?
The driving distance is 767 mi and the route typically takes 14h 35m via I 70 and I 69. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Toledo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $129,627 in Toledo β a 46.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Toledo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $45,740 in the Toledo MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 290,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Toledo to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 767 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 Toledo vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $47,532 in Toledo β a 17.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Toledo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.9% lower than Toledo (88.82 vs 91.455, 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 Toledo.
City profiles: Toledo, OH Β· Topeka, KS.