Moving from Columbus, OH to Topeka, KS
Relocating 723 mi from Columbus to Topeka is a 13h 37m 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.
723 mi Β· 13h 37m 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, US 24, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, St Louis, Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbus | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.469 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.523 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 87.945 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Topeka at 88.82 vs Columbus at 95.469.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $245,979 to $190,096 moving to Topeka.
YoY change: Columbus -0.5%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbus | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 44.7" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Columbus (52.8Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbus | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 906,480 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $65,327 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 33 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.1% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.0% lower in Topeka than Columbus.
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
How does household income compare in Columbus vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $65,327 in Columbus β a 14.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Columbus, OH?
The driving distance is 723 mi and the route typically takes 13h 37m via I 70 and US 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 723 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Topeka more expensive than Columbus?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 7.0% lower than Columbus (88.82 vs 95.469, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Columbus?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $245,979 in Columbus β a 22.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Columbus?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $47,970 in the Columbus MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,067,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbus.
City profiles: Columbus, OH Β· Topeka, KS.