Moving from Omaha, NE to Topeka, KS
It is a 173 mi drive, roughly 3h 29m, between Omaha, NE and Topeka, KS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
173 mi Β· 3h 29m by car Β· NE β IA β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, I 29, US 34 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.911 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 3.4% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $294,189 to $190,096 moving to Topeka.
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Omaha (51.3Β°F) and Topeka (54.9Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.32 |
Topeka households earn about 3.4% less than Omaha at the median β $72,708 β $55,902 on 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 Nebraska 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 far is Topeka, KS from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 173 mi and the route typically takes 3h 29m via US 75 and I 29. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 483,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 173 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Topeka more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 3.4% lower than Omaha (88.82 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Omaha vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 23.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 35.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Topeka, KS.