Moving from Chattanooga, TN to Topeka, KS
Relocating 754 mi from Chattanooga to Topeka is a 14h 9m drive through 5 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.
754 mi Β· 14h 9m by car Β· TN β KY β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β KY β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 70, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis, Columbia, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chattanooga | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.464 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.209 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.994 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.55 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.9% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chattanooga -0.8%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chattanooga | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 32Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 55.0" | 37.3" |
Expect 7.0Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHATTANOOGA LOVELL AP, TN US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chattanooga | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 182,832 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $61,028 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.9% lower in Topeka than Chattanooga.
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 Tennessee 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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
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
When is the best time to move from Chattanooga to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 754 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 Topeka compare to Chattanooga?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $43,150 in the Chattanooga MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 261,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chattanooga vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $61,028 in Chattanooga β a 8.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Chattanooga, TN?
The driving distance is 754 mi and the route typically takes 14h 9m via I 24 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than Chattanooga?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.9% lower than Chattanooga (88.82 vs 91.464, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Chattanooga?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $319,579 in Chattanooga β a 40.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chattanooga.
City profiles: Chattanooga, TN Β· Topeka, KS.