Moving from Topeka, KS to Broken Arrow, OK
It is a 234 mi drive, roughly 4h 46m, between Topeka, KS and Broken Arrow, OK. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
234 mi Β· 4h 46m by car Β· KS β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, US 169, KS 31 |
| Major cities en route | Tulsa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | β |
Annual temperature rises 5.1Β°F moving to Broken Arrow per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.66 |
Broken Arrow households earn about 0.4% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $85,220 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 0.4% higher than Topeka (89.214 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 52.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 234 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 50.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 234 mi and the route typically takes 4h 46m via US 75 and US 169. The trip crosses 2 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 Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Broken Arrow, OK.