Moving from Topeka, KS to Omaha, NE
Relocating between Topeka, KS and Omaha, NE is a 173 mi drive β 3h 29m 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.
173 mi Β· 3h 29m by car Β· NE β IA β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, I 29, US 34 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.82 vs 91.911 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 3.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $294,189 moving to Omaha.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | β |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Omaha (51.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.44 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.5% β $55,902 β $72,708 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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
- Tornado season peaks May through July 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Omaha, NE from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 173 mi and the route typically takes 3h 29m via US 75 and I 29. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 173 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 30.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Omaha more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 3.5% higher than Topeka (91.911 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 54.8% 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· Omaha, NE.