Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Topeka, KS
Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Topeka, KS covers 498 mi and about 9h 8m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
498 mi Β· 9h 8m by car Β· MN β IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35W, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Des Moines, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Topeka are 15.3% below Minneapolis β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Topeka typical home at $190,096 is 15.3% under Minneapolis at $330,882 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 37.3" |
Topeka runs 9.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (45.8Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 33 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 15.3% below Minneapolis ($80,269 vs $55,902, ACS 5-year 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Topeka more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 15.3% lower than Minneapolis (88.82 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Topeka, KS from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 498 mi and the route typically takes 9h 8m via I 35 and I 35W. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 42.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 30.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 498 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Topeka, KS.