Moving from Topeka, KS to Hollywood, FL
It is 1508 mi and 27h 49m from Topeka to Hollywood β a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1508 mi Β· 27h 49m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, I 70 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Hollywood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Hollywood is 28.5% above Topeka β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
28.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Hollywood -5.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 65.0" |
Annual average temperature gap of 21.2Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, HOLLYWOOD, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Hollywood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 152,935 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $65,359 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 41 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.53 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 28.5% higher in Hollywood than Topeka.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hollywood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Hollywood averages 65.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Hollywood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,359 in Hollywood 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 Hollywood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1508 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Hollywood compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Hollywood more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hollywood is 28.5% higher than Topeka (114.155 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Hollywood, FL from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1508 mi and the route typically takes 27h 49m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Hollywood compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $439,400 in Hollywood vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 131.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Hollywood, FL.