MN
MoveNumbers
MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Topeka, KS — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Kansas City, MO area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 16.1%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,205
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.5K
Per year

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

Topeka, KS

Population:125K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$151K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:116
Median Home:$558K

Topeka, KS

The Sunflower State

125K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Live music capital
  • •Major tech hub
  • •SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Topeka, KS vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
↑ 54.4%
Topeka, KS
$1,868
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,017
more
📦Other
↑ 9.9%
Topeka, KS
$1,585
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$156
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 7.1%
Topeka, KS
$1,199
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$85.35
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 1.8%
Topeka, KS
$943
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$16.67
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 2.4%
Topeka, KS
$603
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$14.32
less
⚡All Utilities
↑ 1.7%
Topeka, KS
$532
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$9.23
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$687
To$1,585
↑ $898
1 Bed
From$712
To$1,685
↑ $973
2 Bed
From$914
To$1,995
↑ $1,081
3 Bed
From$1,207
To$2,525
↑ $1,318
Topeka, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $680–$1,230/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$6,728
Monthly in Topeka, KS
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,270
Difference

Home Values

Topeka
Austin
$151K
Median Value
$558K
↓ -1.3%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +43%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$63K - $374K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 270% more expensive than Topeka

Calculate payment - TopekaCalculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $8.4K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$702
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.6%
Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Topeka, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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

Topeka
Austin
46 Good
Air Quality
52 Moderate
59.3%
Good Air Days
42.6%
97 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.5°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kansas and Texas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Topeka, KS on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $147/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $147/mo

Similar cost to Austin, TX

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison