Moving from Olathe, KS to Topeka, KS
Relocating between Olathe, KS and Topeka, KS is a 58 mi drive β 1h 8m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
58 mi Β· 1h 8m by car Β· KS
Distance & route
| Route through | KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | KS 10, I 70, K-7 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.543 vs 88.82 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.0% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $433,117 to $190,096 moving to Topeka.
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Olathe | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Olathe (55.1Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.0% β $112,232 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.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Topeka more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 4.0% lower than Olathe (88.82 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $433,117 in Olathe β a 56.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 58 mi and the route typically takes 1h 8m via KS 10 and I 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 58 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Olathe vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $112,232 in Olathe β a 50.2% 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 Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS Β· Topeka, KS.