Moving from Topeka, KS to Des Moines, IA
The 254 mi from Topeka to Des Moines translate to about 4h 46m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
254 mi Β· 4h 46m by car Β· IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 70, US 24 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Des Moines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 91.701 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 84.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.73 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 84.741 | 100.0 |
Des Moines and Topeka are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.82 vs 91.701); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 3.2% higher in Des Moines than Topeka as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Des Moines +0.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 36.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 36.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 54.9Β°F vs 50.9Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Des Moines sees 36.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 212,464 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $63,966 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 19.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.36 |
Income steps up 3.2%: $55,902 in Topeka vs $63,966 in Des Moines.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Des Moines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 48,550 | $46,670 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,680 | $36,420 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 34,890 | $78,150 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,360 | $45,430 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 30,210 | $30,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Iowa
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Iowa'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: Des Moines averages 36.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season runs April through June β identify a safe room or interior space early.
- 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 Iowa after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Des Moines compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 383,190 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Des Moines more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Des Moines is 3.2% higher than Topeka (91.701 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Des Moines compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,166 in Des Moines vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 9.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Des Moines, IA from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 254 mi and the route typically takes 4h 46m via I 35 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Des Moines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,966 in Des Moines vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 14.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Des Moines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 254 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· Des Moines, IA.