Moving from Topeka, KS to Scottsdale, AZ
Relocating 1136 mi from Topeka to Scottsdale is a 21h 11m drive through 5 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.
1136 mi Β· 21h 11m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 54, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Scottsdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Scottsdale runs about 16.3% more expensive overall than Topeka β RPP 88.82 β 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $190,096 in Topeka to $858,022 in Scottsdale, a 16.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Scottsdale +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 99Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 11.6" |
Expect 14.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 242,169 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $107,372 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 49.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 37.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.06 |
Expect median household income to rise 16.3% β $55,902 β $107,372 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Scottsdale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 Scottsdale average 99Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Scottsdale sees only 11.6 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Scottsdale compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Scottsdale compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $858,022 in Scottsdale vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 351.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Scottsdale more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Scottsdale is 16.3% higher than Topeka (103.316 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Scottsdale, AZ from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1136 mi and the route typically takes 21h 11m via US 54 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Scottsdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1136 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 Scottsdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $107,372 in Scottsdale vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 92.1% higher 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· Scottsdale, AZ.