Moving from Topeka, KS to Waco, TX
The drive from Topeka, KS to Waco, TX runs 580 mi β about 10h 5m 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.
580 mi Β· 10h 5m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Waco and Topeka are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.82 vs 92.55); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 37.5" |
Climate warms by 11.7Β°F on the annual average β 54.9Β°F β 66.6Β°F.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Waco sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.68 |
Income steps down 4.2%: $55,902 in Topeka vs $51,468 in Waco.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Waco more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 4.2% higher than Topeka (92.55 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 7.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 2.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 580 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Waco, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 580 mi and the route typically takes 10h 5m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Waco, TX.