Moving from Glendale, AZ to Topeka, KS
It is 1190 mi between Glendale and Topeka β roughly 21h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1190 mi Β· 21h 22m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Goodyear, Surprise, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Glendale | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 14.0% moving from Glendale to Topeka β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $407,332 in Glendale to $190,096 in Topeka, a 14.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Glendale -2.6%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Glendale | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 105Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 8.3" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperature drops 17.0Β°F β 71.9Β°F in Glendale vs 54.9Β°F in Topeka, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: YOUNGTOWN, AZ US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Glendale | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 250,193 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $70,139 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.88 | 2.32 |
Topeka households earn about 14.0% less than Glendale at the median β $70,139 β $55,902 on ACS 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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 (17.0Β°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
When is the best time to move from Glendale to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1190 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Topeka more expensive than Glendale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 14.0% lower than Glendale (88.82 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Glendale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $407,332 in Glendale β a 53.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Glendale vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $70,139 in Glendale β a 20.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Glendale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,600 in the Glendale MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Topeka, KS from Glendale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1190 mi and the route typically takes 21h 22m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 5 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 Glendale.
City profiles: Glendale, AZ Β· Topeka, KS.