Moving from Oklahoma City, OK to Topeka, KS
The 292 mi from Oklahoma City to Topeka translate to about 5h 2m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
292 mi Β· 5h 2m by car Β· OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Norman, Wichita |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Oklahoma City | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.408 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.067 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.778 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.885 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Oklahoma City (90.408) and Topeka (88.82) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Topeka ZHVI at $190,096 is 1.8% below Oklahoma City at $206,713.
YoY change: Oklahoma City -0.3%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Oklahoma City | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 60Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 27Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 6.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 36.4" | 37.3" |
Climate cools by 5.2Β°F on the annual average β 60.1Β°F β 54.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OKLAHOMA CITY WILL ROGERS AP, OK US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Oklahoma City | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 688,693 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $66,702 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.5% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.32 |
Income steps down 1.8%: $66,702 in Oklahoma City vs $55,902 in Topeka.
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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma City vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $66,702 in Oklahoma City β a 16.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Oklahoma City to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 292 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Topeka, KS from Oklahoma City, OK?
The driving distance is 292 mi and the route typically takes 5h 2m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than Oklahoma City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 1.8% lower than Oklahoma City (88.82 vs 90.408, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Oklahoma City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $44,030 in the Oklahoma City MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 656,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Oklahoma City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $206,713 in Oklahoma City β a 8.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Oklahoma City.
City profiles: Oklahoma City, OK Β· Topeka, KS.