Moving from Topeka, KS to Arvada, CO
It is 549 mi between Topeka and Arvada β roughly 9h 25m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 2 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
549 mi Β· 9h 25m by car Β· KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Lakewood |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Arvada | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 19.1% above Topeka β 88.82 β 105.782 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
19.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Arvada -2.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 75.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 17.1" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 75.5 in of snowfall annually at Arvada.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, WHEAT RIDGE 2, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Arvada |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 122,835 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $113,396 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 31.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.47 |
Arvada households earn about 19.1% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $113,396 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Arvada MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Arvada averages 75.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Arvada?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 549 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 Arvada compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Arvada MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Arvada compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $616,566 in Arvada vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 224.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Arvada?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,396 in Arvada vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 102.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Arvada, CO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 549 mi and the route typically takes 9h 25m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Arvada more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Arvada is 19.1% higher than Topeka (105.782 vs 88.82, 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 Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Arvada, CO.