Moving from Topeka, KS to Springfield, MO
Relocating between Topeka, KS and Springfield, MO is a 225 mi drive β 4h 25m 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.
225 mi Β· 4h 25m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MO 13, MO 7, KS 10 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
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 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 46.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.13 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.3% lower in Springfield than Topeka.
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 | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- Tornadoes are common April through June 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 217,710 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 Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 17.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Springfield, MO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 225 mi and the route typically takes 4h 25m via MO 13 and MO 7. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Springfield more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 0.3% lower than Topeka (88.585 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 27.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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 225 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Springfield, MO.