Moving from Syracuse, NY to Topeka, KS
The drive from Syracuse, NY to Topeka, KS runs 1189 mi β about 22h 32m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1189 mi Β· 22h 32m by car Β· NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | NY β PA β OH β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 90, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Akron, Columbus |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Syracuse | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.742 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 133.405 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.693 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 80.656 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 95.742 to 88.82, putting Topeka roughly 7.2% below Syracuse on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Topeka ZHVI at $190,096 is 7.2% below Syracuse at $210,251.
YoY change: Syracuse +5.1%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Syracuse | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 127.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 37.3" |
Climate warms by 6.4Β°F on the annual average β 48.5Β°F β 54.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTL AP, NY US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Syracuse | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 146,211 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $45,845 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 31.9 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.32 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.2% between Syracuse and Topeka (ACS 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 New York 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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
How does household income compare in Syracuse vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $45,845 in Syracuse β a 21.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Topeka, KS from Syracuse, NY?
The driving distance is 1189 mi and the route typically takes 22h 32m via I 70 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Syracuse?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $49,350 in the Syracuse MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 294,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Topeka more expensive than Syracuse?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 7.2% lower than Syracuse (88.82 vs 95.742, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Syracuse to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1189 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Syracuse?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $210,251 in Syracuse β a 9.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Syracuse.
City profiles: Syracuse, NY Β· Topeka, KS.