Moving from St. Louis, MO to Topeka, KS
The 309 mi from St. Louis to Topeka translate to about 5h 54m 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.
309 mi Β· 5h 54m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 40, I 70, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Topeka are 6.6% below St. Louis β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 37.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 58.0Β°F vs 54.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.32 |
Household income lines up β $55,279 vs $55,902 on 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 Missouri 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
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 309 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 St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 309 mi and the route typically takes 5h 54m via US 40 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 1.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Topeka more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 6.6% lower than St. Louis (88.82 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Topeka, KS.