Moving from Topeka, KS to Phoenix, AZ
A move from Topeka, KS to Phoenix, AZ covers 1184 mi and around 21h 12m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1184 mi Β· 21h 12m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Phoenix | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 16.3% pricier overall in Phoenix than Topeka on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Phoenix typical home at $410,169 is 16.3% above Topeka at $190,096 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Phoenix -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 73Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 8.9" |
NOAA normals show Phoenix running 17.6Β°F above Topeka on the annual mean.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 1,624,832 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $77,041 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.7 |
Median household income in Phoenix is 16.3% above Topeka ($55,902 vs $77,041, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Phoenix MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Phoenix average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Phoenix sees only 8.9 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (17.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Phoenix, AZ from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1184 mi and the route typically takes 21h 12m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Phoenix compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Phoenix compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $410,169 in Phoenix vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 115.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Phoenix?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,041 in Phoenix vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 37.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Phoenix?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1184 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Phoenix more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Phoenix is 16.3% higher than Topeka (103.316 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· Phoenix, AZ.