Moving from Sugar Land, TX to Topeka, KS
A move from Sugar Land, TX to Topeka, KS covers 754 mi and around 13h 11m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
754 mi Β· 13h 11m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 45, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Wichita, Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sugar Land | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.629 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.288 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.639 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.51 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Topeka is 9.9% cheaper than Sugar Land overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Topeka is 9.9% below Sugar Land β $447,176 vs $190,096 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Sugar Land -0.9%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sugar Land | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.1" | 37.3" |
Topeka runs 15.7Β°F colder on the annual average (70.6Β°F vs 54.9Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SUGAR LAND, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sugar Land | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,735 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $137,511 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 42.5 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.9 | 2.32 |
Median household income in Topeka is 9.9% below Sugar Land ($137,511 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 Texas 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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (15.7Β°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 Sugar Land, TX?
The driving distance is 754 mi and the route typically takes 13h 11m via I 35 and I 45. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Topeka more expensive than Sugar Land?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 9.9% lower than Sugar Land (88.82 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Sugar Land?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $447,176 in Sugar Land β a 57.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Sugar Land vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $137,511 in Sugar Land β a 59.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Sugar Land to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 754 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Sugar Land?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $46,960 in the Sugar Land MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 3,179,460 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 Sugar Land.
City profiles: Sugar Land, TX Β· Topeka, KS.