Moving from Topeka, KS to Pembroke Pines, FL
A 1518 mi cross-country move between Topeka and Pembroke Pines is 28h 1m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1518 mi Β· 28h 1m 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, Hollywood, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Pembroke Pines | 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 |
BEA RPP climbs from 88.82 in Topeka to 114.155 in Pembroke Pines, putting overall prices 28.5% above the origin.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 28.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $487,422 moving to Pembroke Pines.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 62.0" |
Expect 22.4Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.67 |
Pembroke Pines households earn about 28.5% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $81,675 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines 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: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (22.4Β°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
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1518 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1518 mi and the route typically takes 28h 1m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines 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 Pembroke Pines more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines 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 does household income compare in Topeka vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 46.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 156.4% 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· Pembroke Pines, FL.