Moving from Topeka, KS to Fort Wayne, IN
It is 670 mi between Topeka and Fort Wayne β roughly 12h 38m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
670 mi Β· 12h 38m by car Β· IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 69, US 33 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Columbia, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Fort Wayne | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.572 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 86.247 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.318 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 72.277 | 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
4.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Fort Wayne +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 33.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 39.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 33.6 in of snowfall annually at Fort Wayne.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Fort Wayne |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 266,235 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $60,293 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.43 |
Households in Fort Wayne earn about 4.2% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Wayne MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 26,110 | $44,210 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 25,400 | $40,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,710 | $37,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,890 | $35,030 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 19,190 | $28,570 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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
- Winter gear first: Fort Wayne averages 33.6 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 Indiana after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Fort Wayne?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,293 in Fort Wayne vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 7.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Fort Wayne?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 670 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 Fort Wayne compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 221,290 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Fort Wayne more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Wayne is 4.2% higher than Topeka (92.572 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Fort Wayne compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,385 in Fort Wayne vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 27.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Fort Wayne, IN from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 670 mi and the route typically takes 12h 38m via I 70 and I 69. The trip crosses 4 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· Fort Wayne, IN.