Moving from Centennial, CO to Topeka, KS
Relocating 528 mi from Centennial to Topeka is a 9h 15m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
528 mi Β· 9h 15m by car Β· KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Denver, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Centennial | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.782 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.856 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.957 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 146.919 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Expect about 16.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Topeka at 88.82 vs Centennial at 105.782.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 16.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $649,086 to $190,096 moving to Topeka.
YoY change: Centennial -2.8%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Centennial | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.0" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Centennial (50.2Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Centennial | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,386 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $128,167 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 41.8 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 16.0% β $128,167 β $55,902 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Colorado 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.
Winter driving along this route
- 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
- 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
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Centennial?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $58,490 in the Centennial MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,590,330 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Topeka more expensive than Centennial?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 16.0% lower than Centennial (88.82 vs 105.782, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Centennial to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 528 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Topeka, KS from Centennial, CO?
The driving distance is 528 mi and the route typically takes 9h 15m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Centennial vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $128,167 in Centennial β a 56.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Centennial?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $649,086 in Centennial β a 70.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Centennial.
City profiles: Centennial, CO Β· Topeka, KS.