Moving from Topeka, KS to Tulsa, OK
Relocating between Topeka, KS and Tulsa, OK is a 220 mi drive β 4h 39m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
220 mi Β· 4h 39m by car Β· OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 75, OK 11, US 160 |
| Major cities en route | Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Tulsa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Topeka and Tulsa sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Tulsa run about 0.4% pricier β ZHVI $190,096 β $217,450 (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Tulsa +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 8.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 41.0" |
Expect 6.4Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Expect 8.7 in of snow annually at the destination β manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, TULSA INTL AP, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Tulsa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 412,322 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $58,407 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 20.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.41 |
Household income lines up β $55,902 vs $58,407 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tulsa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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 Tulsa average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tulsa compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $217,450 in Tulsa vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 14.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tulsa, OK from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 220 mi and the route typically takes 4h 39m via US 75 and OK 11. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tulsa more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tulsa is 0.4% higher than Topeka (89.214 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Tulsa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,407 in Tulsa vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 4.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Tulsa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 220 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Tulsa compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Tulsa MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 443,020 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· Tulsa, OK.