Moving from Topeka, KS to Pittsburgh, PA
It is 905 mi between Topeka and Pittsburgh β roughly 17h 11m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 7 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
905 mi Β· 17h 11m by car Β· PA β WV β OH β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β WV β OH β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 24, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Columbia, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Pittsburgh runs about 6.6% more expensive overall than Topeka β RPP 88.82 β 94.671.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $190,096 in Topeka to $237,533 in Pittsburgh, a 6.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 41.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.9Β°F vs 52.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.21 |
Households in Pittsburgh earn about 6.6% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 6.6% higher than Topeka (94.671 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 14.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 905 mi and the route typically takes 17h 11m via I 70 and US 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 25.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 905 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Pittsburgh, PA.