Moving from Clearwater, FL to Topeka, KS
The drive from Clearwater, FL to Topeka, KS runs 1337 mi β about 24h 52m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1337 mi Β· 24h 52m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, GA 540, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Clearwater | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka is 12.0% cheaper than Clearwater overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 12.0% below Clearwater β $339,488 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Clearwater -5.1%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Clearwater | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 53Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 53.6" | 37.3" |
Topeka runs 19.0Β°F colder on the annual average (73.9Β°F vs 54.9Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG INTL AP, FL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Clearwater | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,075 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $64,440 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 46.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 12.0%: $64,440 in Clearwater vs $55,902 in Topeka.
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 Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
Is Topeka more expensive than Clearwater?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 12.0% lower than Clearwater (88.82 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Clearwater to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1337 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Clearwater?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $339,488 in Clearwater β a 44.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Clearwater?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,420 in the Clearwater MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,412,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Topeka, KS from Clearwater, FL?
The driving distance is 1337 mi and the route typically takes 24h 52m via I 75 and GA 540. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Clearwater vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $64,440 in Clearwater β a 13.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Clearwater.
City profiles: Clearwater, FL Β· Topeka, KS.