Moving from Topeka, KS to Memphis, TN
Relocating 515 mi from Topeka to Memphis is a 10h 16m drive through 4 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.
515 mi Β· 10h 16m by car Β· TN β AR β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TN β AR β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 63, MO 13, MO 7 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 63Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 54.9" |
Expect 8.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.8% lower in Memphis than Topeka.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Memphis more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 3.8% higher than Topeka (92.179 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 23.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Memphis, TN from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 515 mi and the route typically takes 10h 16m via US 63 and MO 13. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 515 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 Memphis compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 8.4% lower 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· Memphis, TN.