Moving from Topeka, KS to Lee's Summit, MO
The 78 mi from Topeka to Lee's Summit translate to about 1h 31m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
78 mi Β· 1h 31m by car Β· KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | KS 10, I 70, I 435 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Lee's Summit | 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 |
Lee's Summit and Topeka are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.82 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Lee's Summit typical home at $390,166 is 4.2% above Topeka at $190,096 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 38.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.9Β°F vs 55.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.2% between Topeka and Lee's Summit (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit 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
- 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 does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit 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.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 78 mi and the route typically takes 1h 31m via KS 10 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 105.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 87.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 78 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 4.2% higher than Topeka (92.543 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Lee's Summit, MO.