Moving from Lincoln, NE to Topeka, KS
The 166 mi from Lincoln to Topeka translate to about 3h 21m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
166 mi · 3h 21m by car · NE → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | NE → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, N-2, N-43 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lincoln | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.581 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.817 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.101 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.208 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka and Lincoln are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.581 vs 88.82); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Topeka typical home at $190,096 is 3.0% under Lincoln at $291,062 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lincoln +4.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Lincoln | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 29.3" | 37.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.3°F vs 54.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LINCOLN MUNI AP, NE US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lincoln | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $69,991 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.0% between Lincoln 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 Nebraska 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 Lincoln?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 3.0% lower than Lincoln (88.82 vs 91.581, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Lincoln, NE?
The driving distance is 166 mi and the route typically takes 3h 21m via US 75 and N-2. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Lincoln vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $69,991 in Lincoln — a 20.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Lincoln?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $47,150 in the Lincoln MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 179,040 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lincoln to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 166 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Lincoln?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $291,062 in Lincoln — a 34.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lincoln.
City profiles: Lincoln, NE · Topeka, KS.