Moving from Topeka, KS to Columbus, OH
It is 723 mi between Topeka and Columbus β roughly 13h 37m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 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.
723 mi Β· 13h 37m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 24, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, St Louis, Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.5% above Topeka β 88.82 β 95.469 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.34 |
Households in Columbus earn about 7.5% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 29.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Columbus, OH from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 723 mi and the route typically takes 13h 37m via I 70 and US 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Columbus more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 7.5% higher than Topeka (95.469 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 16.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 723 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Columbus, OH.