Thinking about moving to Topeka from Kansas City? You’re definitely not alone.
I talk with people every month who love Kansas City—but are starting to feel the squeeze. Higher home prices, longer commutes, heavier traffic, and the sense that buying a home keeps getting pushed further out of reach. For many, Topeka isn’t a downgrade. It’s a strategic move.
If you’re weighing Kansas City vs. Topeka, here’s what the move actually looks like—and who it makes the most sense for.
Cost of Living: Kansas City vs. Topeka
This is usually the biggest driver.
Topeka’s cost of living is roughly 17% lower than the national average, and significantly lower than most parts of the Kansas City metro. Housing is where people feel the difference the most.
- Median home prices in Topeka are often $100,000+ less than comparable homes in KC
- Property taxes and insurance are typically lower
- Utilities and day-to-day expenses stretch further
For many KC transplants, that difference means:
Buying a home sooner
Getting more space
Or lowering monthly stress altogether
Thinking about relocating to Topeka, KS? You don’t have to do it alone!👇🏼🏡
The Commute Reality (Let’s Be Honest)
Commuting from Topeka to Kansas City can work—but it’s not for everyone.
Here’s the real breakdown:
- Downtown Topeka to Downtown KC: ~60–70 minutes
- West Topeka to western KC suburbs: often closer to 50 minutes
- Hybrid or remote schedules make this far more realistic
Who commuting works well for:
- Hybrid workers (2–3 days in office)
- People with flexible hours
- Those used to long metro commutes already
Who it doesn’t:
- Five-day, rush-hour downtown commuters
- Anyone wanting a quick, stress-free drive every day
I always encourage people to be realistic here because the savings only matter if the lifestyle works too.
Lifestyle Differences You’ll Notice Right Away
Kansas City has energy. Topeka has breathing room.
Here’s what people notice most after moving:
- Traffic: Rush hour in Topeka is minimal
- Pace: Less hectic, more predictable
- Space: Bigger yards, easier parking, quieter streets
- Community: Easier to get plugged in and feel known
You still have access to concerts, pro sports, and big events in KC—but you don’t live in the chaos every day.
Where KC Transplants Tend to Live in Topeka
Most people moving from Kansas City gravitate toward:
- West Topeka – newer homes, shopping, easy highway access
- Washburn Rural & Seaman areas – strong schools and suburban feel
- Lake-area neighborhoods – space, trails, and outdoor lifestyle
Choosing the right area matters just as much as choosing the city itself.
Thinking about relocating to Topeka, KS? You don’t have to do it alone!👇🏼🏡
Is Moving from Kansas City to Topeka Right for You?
This move tends to work best if:
- You want homeownership to feel attainable again
- You value time, space, and affordability
- You don’t need constant big-city entertainment
It may not be ideal if:
- You thrive on nightlife and dense urban living
- You need to be in KC five days a week during peak hours
Still unsure? That’s normal and exactly where a conversation helps.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Topeka from Kansas City, I’d love to help you talk through commute options, neighborhoods, and what makes sense for your situation.
About the Author:
The above article Moving to Topeka from Kansas City? Here’s What You Need to Know was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis, LLC REALTORS®, local leaders in Topeka Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media. You can contact the Armbruster Team at (785) 260-4384 or through this form. They have helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes in the Topeka area for years and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Are you thinking about selling your home? They have a passion for listing and selling homes in Topeka and would love the chance to use their expertise in Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media to help you sell or buy yours! Are you interested in buying a home? Give the Armbruster Team a call!
