Moving from Topeka, KS to Springfield, IL
The 372 mi from Topeka to Springfield translate to about 7h 3m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
372 mi Β· 7h 3m by car Β· KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.745 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 90.406 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 71.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Springfield and Topeka is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Springfield is 4.4% below Topeka ($163,198 vs $190,096 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Springfield +8.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 40.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Springfield (52.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 113,714 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $65,537 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 40.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.24 |
Income steps up 4.4%: $55,902 in Topeka vs $65,537 in Springfield.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,330 | $41,140 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 10,250 | $78,240 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,240 | $29,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 9,100 | $79,530 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,150 | $33,630 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
Is Springfield more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 4.4% higher than Topeka (92.745 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,220 in the Springfield MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 103,670 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 372 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Springfield, IL from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 372 mi and the route typically takes 7h 3m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $163,198 in Springfield vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 14.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,537 in Springfield vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 17.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Springfield, IL.