Moving from Topeka, KS to Glendale, AZ
Relocating 1190 mi from Topeka to Glendale is a 21h 22m drive through 5 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.
1190 mi Β· 21h 22m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Surprise, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 16.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 16.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $407,332 moving to Glendale.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 8.3" |
Expect 17.0Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Glendale gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.88 |
Expect median household income to rise 16.3% β $55,902 β $70,139 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Glendale average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1190 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 Glendale compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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 Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 25.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1190 mi and the route typically takes 21h 22m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Glendale more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 16.3% higher than Topeka (103.316 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 114.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Glendale, AZ.