Moving from Topeka, KS to Austin, TX
The drive from Topeka, KS to Austin, TX runs 675 mi β about 11h 41m 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.
675 mi Β· 11h 41m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Austin is 10.4% higher than Topeka, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Austin is 10.4% above Topeka β $190,096 vs $508,530 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 36.3" |
Austin runs 15.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (54.9Β°F vs 70.0Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Austin gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.2 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.4% between Topeka and Austin (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 675 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 Austin compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 167.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Austin, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 675 mi and the route typically takes 11h 41m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 63.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Austin more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 10.4% higher than Topeka (98.066 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· Austin, TX.