Moving from Topeka, KS to Colorado Springs, CO
The drive from Topeka, KS to Colorado Springs, CO runs 520 mi β about 9h 18m 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.
520 mi Β· 9h 18m by car Β· CO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 24 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Colorado Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 100.707 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 83.195 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 116.207 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.82 in Topeka to 100.707 in Colorado Springs, a 13.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Colorado Springs: 13.4% above Topeka on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Colorado Springs -2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 15.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 32.5 in of snowfall annually at Colorado Springs.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, COLORADO SPRINGS MUNI AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 483,099 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $83,198 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.44 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.4% between Topeka and Colorado Springs (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Colorado Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,150 | $44,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 31,520 | $34,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 30,370 | $38,520 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 26,830 | $79,240 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 21,400 | $37,380 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Colorado Springs averages 32.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Colorado Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 520 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 Colorado Springs compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,310 in the Colorado Springs MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 310,390 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Colorado Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,198 in Colorado Springs vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 48.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Colorado Springs compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $449,452 in Colorado Springs vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 136.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Colorado Springs more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Colorado Springs is 13.4% higher than Topeka (100.707 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Colorado Springs, CO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 520 mi and the route typically takes 9h 18m via I 70 and US 40. 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· Colorado Springs, CO.