Moving from Wichita, KS to Topeka, KS
It is a 139 mi drive, roughly 2h 29m, between Wichita, KS and Topeka, KS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
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
| Wichita | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 88.946 vs 88.82 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 0.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wichita | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Wichita (57.7°F) and Topeka (54.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.32 |
Households in Topeka earn about 0.1% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Topeka MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,950 | $39,390 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,940 | $41,900 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 8,460 | $63,790 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 8,420 | $27,880 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 8,350 | $70,100 |
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
- 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
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Topeka?
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 Topeka more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 0.1% lower than Wichita (88.82 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Wichita, 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.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $63,072 in Wichita — a 11.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $202,720 in Wichita — a 6.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS · Topeka, KS.