Moving from Topeka, KS to St. Louis, MO
The 309 mi from Topeka to St. Louis translate to about 5h 54m behind the wheel through 2 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.
309 mi Β· 5h 54m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 40, I 70, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in St. Louis is 7.1% higher than Topeka, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 43.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and St. Louis (58.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.03 |
Median household incomes in Topeka ($55,902) and St. Louis ($55,279) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
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 St. Louis compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 309 mi and the route typically takes 5h 54m via US 40 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 309 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 1.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 7.1% higher than Topeka (95.088 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· St. Louis, MO.