Moving from Joliet, IL to Topeka, KS
The drive from Joliet, IL to Topeka, KS runs 533 mi β about 9h 55m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
533 mi Β· 9h 55m by car Β· IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, US 24, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 88.82, putting Topeka roughly 14.3% below Joliet on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Topeka: 14.3% below Joliet on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 37.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.3% between Joliet and Topeka (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 Illinois 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
Is Topeka more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 14.3% lower than Joliet (88.82 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 533 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Topeka, KS from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 533 mi and the route typically takes 9h 55m via US 36 and US 24. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 26.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 36.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Topeka, KS.