Moving from Topeka, KS to Torrance, CA
Cross-country relocations like Topeka, KS β Torrance, CA cover 1572 mi and about 27h 17m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1572 mi Β· 27h 17m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 15, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Los Angeles, Inglewood, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Huntington Beach |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Torrance | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 27.9% pricier overall price level β 88.82 β 113.566 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Torrance typical home at $1,124,932 is 27.9% above Topeka at $190,096 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Torrance +0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 76Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 13.8" |
Climate warms by 7.6Β°F on the annual average β 54.9Β°F β 62.5Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, REDONDO BEACH, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Torrance |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 143,499 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $113,105 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 43.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 34.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.59 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 27.9% between Topeka and Torrance (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Torrance MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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.
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Torrance sees only 13.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Torrance, CA from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1572 mi and the route typically takes 27h 17m via I 70 and I 15. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Torrance compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,124,932 in Torrance vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 491.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Torrance?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1572 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Torrance more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Torrance is 27.9% higher than Topeka (113.566 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Torrance compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Torrance MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 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 Torrance?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,105 in Torrance vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 102.3% 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· Torrance, CA.