Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Topeka, KS
A move from Fort Collins, CO to Topeka, KS covers 590 mi and around 10h 2m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
590 mi Β· 10h 2m by car Β· CO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 25 |
| Major cities en route | Greeley, Boulder, Arvada, Westminster, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Collins | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.128 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.156 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.052 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.592 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 101.128 to 88.82, putting Topeka roughly 12.2% below Fort Collins on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Topeka: 12.2% below Fort Collins on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Collins -1.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Collins | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 51.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 15.9" | 37.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT COLLINS, CO US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Collins | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,705 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $83,598 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 30.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.3% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 12.2% below Fort Collins ($83,598 vs $55,902, ACS 5-year 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 far is Topeka, KS from Fort Collins, CO?
The driving distance is 590 mi and the route typically takes 10h 2m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Fort Collins?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $563,815 in Fort Collins β a 66.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Topeka more expensive than Fort Collins?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 12.2% lower than Fort Collins (88.82 vs 101.128, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Fort Collins vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $83,598 in Fort Collins β a 33.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Fort Collins?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $50,820 in the Fort Collins MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 173,230 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fort Collins to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 590 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Collins.
City profiles: Fort Collins, CO Β· Topeka, KS.