Moving from Dallas, TX to Topeka, KS
Relocating between Dallas, TX and Topeka, KS is a 496 mi drive β 8h 38m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
496 mi Β· 8h 38m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Garland, Mesquite, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.8% cheaper overall in Topeka than Dallas on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Dallas | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 38Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 37.3" |
Expect 13.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.8% lower in Topeka than Dallas.
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 Texas 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.1Β°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
When is the best time to move from Dallas to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 496 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 Dallas vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $67,760 in Dallas β a 17.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $309,421 in Dallas β a 38.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 13.8% lower than Dallas (88.82 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 496 mi and the route typically takes 8h 38m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX Β· Topeka, KS.