Moving from Naperville, IL to Topeka, KS
Relocating 550 mi from Naperville to Topeka is a 10h 19m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
550 mi Β· 10h 19m 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, Elgin, Chicago, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | 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 |
Overall cost of living drops 14.3% moving from Naperville to Topeka β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $610,454 in Naperville to $190,096 in Topeka, a 14.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 37.3" |
Expect 5.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 14.3% β $150,937 β $55,902 per ACS 5-year estimates (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
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 63.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 68.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 550 mi and the route typically takes 10h 19m via US 36 and US 24. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville 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.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 550 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Topeka more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 14.3% lower than Naperville (88.82 vs 103.595, 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Topeka, KS.