Moving from Topeka, KS to Chicago, IL
Relocating 568 mi from Topeka to Chicago is a 10h 40m drive through 3 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.
568 mi Β· 10h 40m by car Β· IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, US 24, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago runs about 16.6% more expensive overall than Topeka β RPP 88.82 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $190,096 in Topeka to $317,283 in Chicago, a 16.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.9Β°F vs 50.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to rise 16.6% β $55,902 β $75,134 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 34.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 66.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Chicago more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 16.6% higher than Topeka (103.595 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Chicago, IL from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 568 mi and the route typically takes 10h 40m via US 36 and US 24. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Chicago?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 568 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Chicago, IL.