Moving from Topeka, KS to Garland, TX
Relocating 500 mi from Topeka to Garland is a 8h 39m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
500 mi Β· 8h 39m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Mesquite, Mckinney, Richardson, Allen |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 16.1% above Topeka β 88.82 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
16.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 41.9" |
Expect 10.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3.04 |
Expect median household income to rise 16.1% β $55,902 β $74,717 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Garland average 94Β°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 (10.9Β°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
How far is Garland, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 500 mi and the route typically takes 8h 39m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Garland more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 16.1% higher than Topeka (103.09 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 50.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 500 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 33.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Garland, TX.