Moving from Topeka, KS to San Antonio, TX
Relocating 756 mi from Topeka to San Antonio is a 13h 12m drive through 3 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.
756 mi Β· 13h 12m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, US 290 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | San Antonio | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 94.716 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 82.169 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 94.575 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.6% above Topeka β 88.82 β 94.716 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, San Antonio -2.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 40Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 34.0" |
Expect 14.1Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Effectively snow-free year in San Antonio β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 1,458,954 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $62,917 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 34.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 17.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.66 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.6% higher in San Antonio than Topeka.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Antonio MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 145,480 | $41,700 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 109,390 | $28,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 100,480 | $37,340 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 93,110 | $34,910 |
| Management Occupations | 82,250 | $100,820 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in San Antonio average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Topeka to San Antonio?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 756 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs San Antonio?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,917 in San Antonio vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 12.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in San Antonio compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,810 in San Antonio vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 31.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is San Antonio, TX from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 756 mi and the route typically takes 13h 12m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is San Antonio more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Antonio is 6.6% higher than Topeka (94.716 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in San Antonio compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,091,510 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· San Antonio, TX.