Moving from St. Petersburg, FL to Topeka, KS
Relocating 1342 mi from St. Petersburg to Topeka is a 24h 54m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1342 mi Β· 24h 54m 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 | Clearwater, Tampa, Lakeland, Gainesville, South Fulton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Petersburg | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.89 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.525 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.47 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.839 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Expect about 12.0% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Topeka at 88.82 vs St. Petersburg at 100.89.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Petersburg β, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Petersburg | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 75Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 54Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 37.3" |
Expect 19.6Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PETERSBURG, FL US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Petersburg | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 260,646 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $73,118 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 43.1 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.23 | 2.32 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.0% β $73,118 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 (19.6Β°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
How far is Topeka, KS from St. Petersburg, FL?
The driving distance is 1342 mi and the route typically takes 24h 54m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than St. Petersburg?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 12.0% lower than St. Petersburg (88.82 vs 100.89, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1342 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 St. Petersburg vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $73,118 in St. Petersburg β a 23.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to St. Petersburg?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,420 in the St. Petersburg MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 1,412,840 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 St. Petersburg.
City profiles: St. Petersburg, FL Β· Topeka, KS.