Moving from Topeka, KS to Independence, MO
The 77 mi from Topeka to Independence translate to about 1h 35m behind the wheel through 2 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.
77 mi Β· 1h 35m by car Β· KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, MO 78, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Independence 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 Independence is 4.2% above Topeka ($208,158 vs $190,096 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Independence (54.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Independence averages 13.2 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, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.39 |
Income steps up 4.2%: $55,902 in Topeka vs $59,480 in Independence.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 6.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Independence, MO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 77 mi and the route typically takes 1h 35m via I 70 and MO 78. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Independence more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 4.2% higher than Topeka (92.543 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 77 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 Independence compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 9.5% 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· Independence, MO.