Moving from Topeka, KS to Dayton, OH
The drive from Topeka, KS to Dayton, OH runs 656 mi β about 12h 30m 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.
656 mi Β· 12h 30m 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 | St Louis, Columbia, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Dayton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.694 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 95.388 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 72.712 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Dayton and Topeka is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Dayton is 4.4% below Topeka β $190,096 vs $136,592 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Dayton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 41.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Dayton (53.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Dayton averages 12.3 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, DAYTON MCD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 136,741 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $43,454 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 12.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 4.4% between Topeka and Dayton (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Dayton averages 12.3 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 Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Dayton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $43,454 in Dayton vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 22.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Dayton more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dayton is 4.4% higher than Topeka (92.694 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Dayton compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $136,592 in Dayton vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 28.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Dayton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 656 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Dayton, OH from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 656 mi and the route typically takes 12h 30m via I 70 and US 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Dayton, OH.