Moving from Akron, OH to Topeka, KS
A move from Akron, OH to Topeka, KS covers 844 mi and around 15h 53m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
844 mi Β· 15h 53m 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 71, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, St Louis, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Topeka and Akron is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 4.9% above Akron β $137,894 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 4.9% above Akron ($48,544 β $55,902, ACS 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.
Moving between Ohio and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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
- Tornado season peaks April through June β 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.
- Register to vote in Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Akron to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 844 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 Akron vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $48,544 in Akron β a 15.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 844 mi and the route typically takes 15h 53m via I 70 and I 71. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $137,894 in Akron β a 37.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 4.9% lower than Akron (88.82 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Topeka, KS.