Moving from Topeka, KS to Provo, UT
Relocating 1019 mi from Topeka to Provo is a 18h 7m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1019 mi Β· 18h 7m by car Β· KS β CO β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Provo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 98.232 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 78.63 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 104.081 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 10.6% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $484,203 moving to Provo.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Provo +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 44.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 17.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Provo (54.6Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Provo averages 44.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, PROVO BYU, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Provo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 114,303 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $62,800 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 23.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 31.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3.35 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 10.6% higher in Provo than Topeka.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Provo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 40,750 | $38,840 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 24,860 | $36,930 |
| Management Occupations | 24,030 | $105,290 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,860 | $29,550 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,880 | $63,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Provo averages 44.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Provo average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Provo compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,700 in the Provo MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 293,170 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Provo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,800 in Provo vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 12.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Provo, UT from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1019 mi and the route typically takes 18h 7m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Provo more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Provo is 10.6% higher than Topeka (98.232 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Provo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1019 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Provo compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $484,203 in Provo vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 154.7% 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· Provo, UT.