Moving from Lubbock, TX to Topeka, KS
A move from Lubbock, TX to Topeka, KS covers 642 mi and around 11h 17m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
642 mi Β· 11h 17m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 82, TX 114 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Oklahoma City, Wichita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Topeka and Lubbock is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 2.7% below Lubbock ($190,096 vs $209,436 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 37.3" |
Topeka is 6.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (61.8Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 2.7% below Lubbock ($60,487 β $55,902, 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 Texas 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 Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 9.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 642 mi and the route typically takes 11h 17m via I 35 and US 82. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 642 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Topeka more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.7% lower than Lubbock (88.82 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 7.6% 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Topeka, KS.