Moving from Topeka, KS to Sparks, NV
Cross-country relocations like Topeka, KS β Sparks, NV cover 1563 mi and about 26h 10m of driving through 5 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1563 mi Β· 26h 10m by car Β· KS β CO β WY β UT β NV
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO β WY β UT β NV |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Denver, Centennial, Lakewood, Thornton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Sparks | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 101.014 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 89.274 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 96.271 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 123.478 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Sparks is 13.7% higher than Topeka, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Sparks is 13.7% above Topeka β $190,096 vs $529,283 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Sparks -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 6.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 8.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°F) and Sparks (53.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Sparks averages 6.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, SPARKS, NV US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 109,106 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $86,979 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.64 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 13.7% between Topeka and Sparks (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sparks MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,990 | $45,200 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 30,330 | $42,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 23,210 | $30,270 |
| Management Occupations | 21,700 | $97,370 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,500 | $36,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Nevada
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nevada'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains 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 Sparks average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Sparks sees only 8.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Nevada after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Sparks, NV from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 1563 mi and the route typically takes 26h 10m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Sparks?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $86,979 in Sparks vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 55.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Sparks more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sparks is 13.7% higher than Topeka (101.014 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Sparks compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,540 in the Sparks MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 254,100 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Sparks?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1563 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 Sparks compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $529,283 in Sparks vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 178.4% 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· Sparks, NV.