Moving from Topeka, KS to Gresham, OR
Moving from Topeka, KS to Gresham, OR is a 1761 mi cross-country relocation β about 30h 3m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1761 mi Β· 30h 3m by car Β· KS β CO β WY β UT β ID β OR
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO β WY β UT β ID β OR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 84, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Lakewood, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Gresham | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 105.421 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 106.974 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 105.222 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 125.114 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Gresham is 18.7% higher than Topeka, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Gresham is 18.7% above Topeka β $190,096 vs $471,181 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Gresham -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 40.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Gresham (54.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, PORTLAND TROUTDALE AP, OR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Gresham |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 112,818 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $73,608 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 37.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 15.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.68 |
Median household income in Gresham is 18.7% above Topeka ($55,902 vs $73,608, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gresham MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 141,870 | $47,870 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 104,880 | $44,260 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 99,580 | $34,860 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 96,250 | $41,260 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 92,520 | $79,400 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Oregon
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oregon'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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season peaks July through September east of the Cascades β register for county emergency alerts.
- 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 Oregon after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Gresham more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gresham is 18.7% higher than Topeka (105.421 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Gresham, OR from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1761 mi and the route typically takes 30h 3m via I 84 and I 70. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Gresham?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,608 in Gresham vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 31.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Gresham compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $471,181 in Gresham vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 147.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Gresham?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1761 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 Gresham compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,940 in the Gresham MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,206,150 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Gresham, OR.