Moving from Topeka, KS to Goodyear, AZ

Relocating 1223 mi from Topeka to Goodyear is a 22h 13m drive through 5 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.

1223 mi Β· 22h 13m by car Β· KS β†’ OK β†’ TX β†’ NM β†’ AZ

COL +16.3% Home values +146.9% Ξ” +19.0Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1223 mi
Drive time
22h 13m
States
5
Fuel (25 mpg)
49 gal
Route throughKS β†’ OK β†’ TX β†’ NM β†’ AZ
Primary highwaysI 40, US 54, US 400
Major cities en routeWichita, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Scottsdale, Phoenix

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

TopekaGoodyearU.S. avg
All items (RPP)88.82103.316100.0
Rents88.94293.332100.0
Goods94.02795.024100.0
Services64.987121.236100.0

Goodyear runs about 16.3% more expensive overall than Topeka β€” RPP 88.82 β†’ 103.316.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Topeka β€” typical home
$190,096
Goodyear β€” typical home
$469,424
Topeka β€” typical rent
$1,199/mo
Goodyear β€” typical rent
$1,796/mo

Zillow ZHVI climbs from $190,096 in Topeka to $469,424 in Goodyear, a 16.3% increase on the typical home value.

YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsTopekaGoodyear
Annual avg temperature55Β°F74Β°F
January avg low19Β°F43Β°F
July avg high89Β°F107Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.0"
Annual precipitation37.3"7.4"

Annual average temperature jumps 19.0Β°F β€” 54.9Β°F in Topeka vs 73.9Β°F in Goodyear, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Goodyear sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023TopekaGoodyear
Population126,103102,891
Median household income$55,902$101,814
Median age38.240.8
Bachelor's degree or higher18.5%22.2%
Avg household size2.322.87

Expect median household income to rise 16.3% β€” $55,902 β†’ $101,814 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Topeka MSA β€” median wage
$45,340
Goodyear MSA β€” median wage
$48,600
Topeka MSA β€” employment
113,350
Goodyear MSA β€” employment
2,289,130

Top occupations in Goodyear MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 314,170 $45,080
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 205,010 $34,400
Sales and Related Occupations 204,700 $37,700
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 199,140 $40,870
Management Occupations 170,690 $105,420

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Kansas and Arizona

Kansas income tax
5.58% top marginal
Arizona income tax
2.5% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 20–30% 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.

Winter driving along this route

  • Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
  • I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • 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 Arizona after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

How far is Goodyear, AZ from Topeka, KS?

The driving distance is 1223 mi and the route typically takes 22h 13m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does household income compare in Topeka vs Goodyear?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $55,902 in Topeka β€” a 82.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Topeka?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $190,096 in Topeka β€” a 146.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

Is Goodyear more expensive than Topeka?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear is 16.3% higher than Topeka (103.316 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Goodyear compare to Topeka?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

When is the best time to move from Topeka to Goodyear?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1223 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· Goodyear, AZ.

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