Moving from Topeka, KS to Naperville, IL
It is 550 mi between Topeka and Naperville β roughly 10h 19m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
550 mi Β· 10h 19m by car Β· IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, US 24, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Elgin, Chicago, Joliet, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 16.6% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 16.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $610,454 moving to Naperville.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 40.2" |
Annual temperature drops 5.7Β°F moving to Naperville per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.75 |
Naperville households earn about 16.6% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $150,937 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Naperville more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 16.6% higher than Topeka (103.595 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 Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 550 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 221.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 170.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Naperville, IL from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 550 mi and the route typically takes 10h 19m via US 36 and US 24. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Naperville, IL.