Moving from Goodyear, AZ to Topeka, KS
It is 1223 mi between Goodyear and Topeka β roughly 22h 13m 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.
1223 mi Β· 22h 13m by car Β· KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, US 400 |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Scottsdale, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Goodyear | 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 |
Moderate COL drop: 14.0% cheaper overall in Topeka than Goodyear on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
14.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Goodyear -1.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Goodyear | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 107Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 7.4" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperature gap of 19.0Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Goodyear | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,891 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $101,814 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 40.8 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 2.32 |
Topeka households earn about 14.0% less than Goodyear at the median β $101,814 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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 (19.0Β°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
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Goodyear?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $469,424 in Goodyear β a 59.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Goodyear to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1223 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 Goodyear vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $101,814 in Goodyear β a 45.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Goodyear, AZ?
The driving distance is 1223 mi and the route typically takes 22h 13m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Goodyear?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,600 in the Goodyear 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.
Is Topeka more expensive than Goodyear?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 14.0% lower than Goodyear (88.82 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Goodyear.
City profiles: Goodyear, AZ Β· Topeka, KS.