Moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Topeka, KS
Relocating 670 mi from Fort Wayne to Topeka is a 12h 38m drive through 4 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.
670 mi Β· 12h 38m by car Β· IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 69, US 33 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Columbia, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Wayne | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.572 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.247 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.318 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.277 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.572 vs 88.82 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $242,385 to $190,096 moving to Topeka.
YoY change: Fort Wayne +2.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Wayne | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.6" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Fort Wayne (50.9Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Wayne | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 266,235 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $60,293 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.32 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.1% lower in Topeka than Fort Wayne.
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 Indiana 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 the job market in Topeka compare to Fort Wayne?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 221,290 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Topeka more expensive than Fort Wayne?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 4.1% lower than Fort Wayne (88.82 vs 92.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 670 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 Fort Wayne vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $60,293 in Fort Wayne β a 7.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Fort Wayne, IN?
The driving distance is 670 mi and the route typically takes 12h 38m via I 70 and I 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Fort Wayne?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $242,385 in Fort Wayne β a 21.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Wayne.
City profiles: Fort Wayne, IN Β· Topeka, KS.