Moving from Waco, TX to Topeka, KS
The drive from Waco, TX to Topeka, KS runs 580 mi β about 10h 5m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
580 mi Β· 10h 5m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Waco | Topeka | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 88.82 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 88.942 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 64.987 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Waco (92.55) and Topeka (88.82) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $194,245 vs $190,096 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Topeka -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Waco | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 37.3" |
Climate cools by 11.7Β°F on the annual average β 66.6Β°F β 54.9Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, TOPEKA - NWS, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 126,103 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $55,902 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 18.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.32 |
Income steps up 4.0%: $51,468 in Waco vs $55,902 in Topeka.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Topeka MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,950 | $39,390 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,940 | $41,900 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 8,460 | $63,790 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 8,420 | $27,880 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 8,350 | $70,100 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Topeka more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Topeka is 4.0% lower than Waco (88.82 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Topeka compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $190,096 in Topeka vs $194,245 in Waco β a 2.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Topeka compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,340 in the Topeka MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 113,350 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Waco to Topeka?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 580 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Topeka, KS from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 580 mi and the route typically takes 10h 5m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Topeka?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,902 in Topeka vs $51,468 in Waco β a 8.6% 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX Β· Topeka, KS.