Is Topeka, KS cheaper than Kansas City, KS?

Based on cost of living data, Topeka, KS is 1.2% more expensive than Kansas City, KS. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Topeka, KS to live like I do in Kansas City, KS?

If you earn $150,000 in Kansas City, KS, you'd need approximately $151,113.476 in Topeka, KS to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Kansas City, KS and Topeka, KS?

Housing in Topeka, KS is 1.2% more expensive than in Kansas City, KS. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $914/month in Topeka, KS compared to $1,010/month in Kansas City, KS.

How much can I save per month by moving from Kansas City, KS to Topeka, KS?

Kansas City, KS and Topeka, KS have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Kansas City, KS vs Topeka, KS: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Kansas City, KS

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $92.79/month more in Topeka, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.1K in Topeka, KS

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area

Overall Cost

↑ 1.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$92.79

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Kansas City, KS

Population:153K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$161K

Topeka, KS

Population:125K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$151K

Kansas City, KS

The Sunflower State

153K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 153K residents.

Topeka, KS

The Sunflower State

125K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 125K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Kansas City, KS vs Topeka, KS

Category	Kansas City, KS	Topeka, KS	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,845/mo	$1,868/mo	↑ $22.83more	1.2%
Other	$1,565/mo	$1,585/mo	↑ $19.36more	1.2%
Transportation	$1,184/mo	$1,199/mo	↑ $14.65more	1.2%
Groceries	$937/mo	$943/mo	↑ $5.78more	0.6%
Healthcare	$599/mo	$603/mo	↑ $3.70more	0.6%
All Utilities	$528/mo	$532/mo	↑ $3.26more	0.6%

Housing

↑ 1.2%

Kansas City, KS

$1,845

Topeka, KS

$1,868

Difference

$22.83

Other

↑ 1.2%

Kansas City, KS

$1,565

Topeka, KS

$1,585

Difference

$19.36

Transportation

↑ 1.2%

Kansas City, KS

$1,184

Topeka, KS

$1,199

Difference

$14.65

Groceries

↑ 0.6%

Kansas City, KS

$937

Topeka, KS

$943

Difference

$5.78

Healthcare

↑ 0.6%

Kansas City, KS

$599

Topeka, KS

$603

Difference

$3.70

All Utilities

↑ 0.6%

Kansas City, KS

$528

Topeka, KS

$532

Difference

$3.26

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Kansas City, KS: Kansas City KS Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Topeka, KS has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$811

To$687

↓ $124

1 Bed

From$894

To$712

↓ $182

2 Bed

From$1,010

To$914

↓ $96.00

3 Bed

From$1,316

To$1,207

↓ $109

Kansas City, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,650/mo

Topeka, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $680–$1,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,659

Monthly in Kansas City, KS

$6,728

Monthly in Topeka, KS

$69.57

Difference

Home Values

Kansas City

Topeka

$161K

Median Value

$151K

↑ +1.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.3%

↑ +55.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +43%

$115K - $322K

Price Range

$63K - $374K

Homes in Topeka are 6% less expensive than Kansas City

Calculate payment - Kansas City Calculate payment - Topeka

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Kansas City, KS

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kansas State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,714/month

$104.6K

Topeka, KS

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kansas State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,714/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Kansas City, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%

Property Tax:1.3%

Topeka, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%

Property Tax:1.3%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Kansas City

Topeka

46 Good

Air Quality

46 Good

59.3%

Good Air Days

59.3%

97 High

Climate Risk

97 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🌪

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

44 days

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.3°F

44 days

Heat Days >95°F

44 days

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Kansas City, KS on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Topeka, KS

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Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

You'd spend $92.79/month more in Topeka, KS

Kansas City, KS

Topeka, KS

Kansas City, KS

Topeka, KS

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code9 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code15 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP7 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP15 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Kansas City, KS

Topeka, KS

Additional Tax Information

Kansas City, KS Tax Rates

Topeka, KS Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Topeka, KS