Moving from Topeka, KS to Wichita, KS
Relocating between Topeka, KS and Wichita, KS is a 139 mi drive — 2h 29m 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.
139 mi · 2h 29m by car · KS
Distance & route
| Route through | KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 335, US 54 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level — BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 0.1% above Topeka — $190,096 → $202,720 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Topeka | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 19°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 34.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.7 in of snowfall annually at Wichita.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.52 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.1% higher in Wichita than Topeka.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $55,902 in Topeka — a 12.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Wichita, KS from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 139 mi and the route typically takes 2h 29m via I 35 and I 335. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 139 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Wichita more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 0.1% higher than Topeka (88.946 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $190,096 in Topeka — a 6.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS · Wichita, KS.