Moving from Topeka, KS to Lakewood, CO
A move from Topeka, KS to Lakewood, CO covers 548 mi and around 9h 23m of driving through 2 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
548 mi Β· 9h 23m by car Β· CO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Arvada, Boulder, Centennial, Westminster, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Lakewood | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Lakewood is 19.1% higher than Topeka, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Lakewood is 19.1% above Topeka β $190,096 vs $573,913 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Lakewood -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 58.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 17.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Lakewood (50.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Lakewood averages 58.0 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, LAKEWOOD, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 156,309 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $85,789 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Lakewood is 19.1% above Topeka ($55,902 vs $85,789, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lakewood MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Lakewood averages 58.0 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Lakewood?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 548 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 Lakewood compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Lakewood MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Lakewood, CO from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 548 mi and the route typically takes 9h 23m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lakewood more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lakewood is 19.1% higher than Topeka (105.782 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Lakewood?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,789 in Lakewood vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 53.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Lakewood compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $573,913 in Lakewood vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 201.9% 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· Lakewood, CO.