Moving from Topeka, KS to Dallas, TX
It is a 496 mi drive, roughly 8h 38m, between Topeka, KS and Dallas, TX. 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.
496 mi Β· 8h 38m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Garland, Mesquite, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Dallas | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Dallas runs about 16.1% more expensive overall than Topeka β RPP 88.82 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $190,096 in Topeka to $309,421 in Dallas, a 16.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Dallas -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 68Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 38Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 1.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 38.3" |
Annual temperature rises 13.1Β°F moving to Dallas per NOAA normals.
Expect 1.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 1,299,553 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $67,760 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.46 |
Dallas households earn about 16.1% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $67,760 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dallas MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Dallas average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Dallas compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Dallas MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Dallas, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 496 mi and the route typically takes 8h 38m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Dallas?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 496 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Dallas more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dallas is 16.1% higher than Topeka (103.09 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dallas compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,421 in Dallas vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 62.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Dallas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,760 in Dallas vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 21.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Dallas, TX.