Moving from Pembroke Pines, FL to Topeka, KS
It is 1518 mi and 28h 1m from Pembroke Pines to Topeka β a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1518 mi Β· 28h 1m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Pembroke Pines | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka sits 22.2% cheaper than Pembroke Pines on the BEA RPP, one of the larger gaps you will see between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $487,422 in Pembroke Pines to $190,096 in Topeka, a 22.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Pembroke Pines -4.3%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Pembroke Pines | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 62.0" | 37.3" |
Annual average temperature drops 22.4Β°F β 77.3Β°F in Pembroke Pines vs 54.9Β°F in Topeka, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Pembroke Pines | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 170,557 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $81,675 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 43.7 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.9% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 22.2% β $81,675 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 Florida 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (22.4Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Pembroke Pines to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1518 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 Pembroke Pines vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $81,675 in Pembroke Pines β a 31.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Pembroke Pines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 22.2% lower than Pembroke Pines (88.82 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Pembroke Pines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $487,422 in Pembroke Pines β a 61.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Topeka, KS from Pembroke Pines, FL?
The driving distance is 1518 mi and the route typically takes 28h 1m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Pembroke Pines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Pembroke Pines.
City profiles: Pembroke Pines, FL Β· Topeka, KS.