Moving from Topeka, KS to Kansas City, MO
It is a 66 mi drive, roughly 1h 15m, between Topeka, KS and Kansas City, MO. 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.
66 mi Β· 1h 15m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 24, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Kansas City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.82 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $250,208 moving to Kansas City.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Kansas City +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 11.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 38.1" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Kansas City (56.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Kansas City averages 11.0 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 508,233 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $67,449 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 23.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.32 |
Kansas City households earn about 4.2% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $67,449 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kansas City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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 Kansas City average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Kansas City, MO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 66 mi and the route typically takes 1h 15m via I 70 and US 24. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Kansas City more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kansas City is 4.2% higher than Topeka (92.543 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Kansas City compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Kansas City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 66 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Kansas City compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $250,208 in Kansas City vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 31.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Kansas City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,449 in Kansas City vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 20.7% 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· Kansas City, MO.