Moving from Rochester, MN to Topeka, KS
Moving from Rochester, MN to Topeka, KS covers 465 mi and about 8h 31m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
465 mi Β· 8h 31m by car Β· KS β MO β IA β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Rochester (90.821) 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
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Topeka: 2.2% below Rochester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 37.3" |
Topeka runs 10.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (44.8Β°F vs 54.9Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 2.2% below Rochester ($87,767 vs $55,902, ACS 5-year 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 44.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 36.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Topeka more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 2.2% lower than Rochester (88.82 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 465 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 Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 465 mi and the route typically takes 8h 31m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Topeka, KS.