Moving from Topeka, KS to Toledo, OH
The drive from Topeka, KS to Toledo, OH runs 767 mi β about 14h 35m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
767 mi Β· 14h 35m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 69, SR 25 |
| Major cities en route | Fort Wayne, St Louis, Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Toledo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 91.455 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 96.285 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 67.317 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Topeka (88.82) and Toledo (91.455) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Toledo: 3.0% below Topeka on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Toledo +5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 32.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 268,461 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $47,532 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.27 |
Income steps down 3.0%: $55,902 in Topeka vs $47,532 in Toledo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Toledo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,160 | $39,900 |
| Production Occupations | 31,420 | $45,220 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,850 | $41,570 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,870 | $28,590 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,710 | $32,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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
How much do homes cost in Toledo compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $129,627 in Toledo vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 31.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Toledo, OH from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 767 mi and the route typically takes 14h 35m via I 70 and I 69. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Toledo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 767 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 Toledo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $47,532 in Toledo vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 15.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Toledo more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Toledo is 3.0% higher than Topeka (91.455 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Toledo compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,740 in the Toledo MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 290,070 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· Toledo, OH.