Moving from Topeka, KS to Little Rock, AR
Relocating between Topeka, KS and Little Rock, AR is a 483 mi drive β 8h 37m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
483 mi Β· 8h 37m by car Β· AR β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AR β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 49, US 71, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 68.295 | 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
Housing comes in 0.6% above Topeka β $190,096 β $216,519 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 50.4" |
Expect 6.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Little Rock gets around 3.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.33 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.6% higher in Little Rock than Topeka.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Little Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,980 | $37,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,840 | $37,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,830 | $31,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 30,330 | $67,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 29,950 | $27,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Arkansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arkansas'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 Little Rock average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Little Rock averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tornado risk peaks April through May β identify a safe room 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 Arkansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 13.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 0.6% higher than Topeka (89.364 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Little Rock, AR from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 483 mi and the route typically takes 8h 37m via I 49 and US 71. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 8.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Little Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 483 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Little Rock, AR.