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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.2K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $164.7K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 16.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,222
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$14.7K
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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:116
Median Home:$414K

Topeka, KS

The Sunflower State

125K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • •Fastest growing major city
  • •Desert metropolis
  • •Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Topeka, KS vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
↑ 49.3%
Topeka, KS
$1,868
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$921
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 24.2%
Topeka, KS
$1,199
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$290
more
📦Other
↑ 5.9%
Topeka, KS
$1,585
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$92.84
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 5.5%
Topeka, KS
$532
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$29.45
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 2.2%
Topeka, KS
$943
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$20.67
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 2.4%
Topeka, KS
$603
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$14.32
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$687
To$1,390
↑ $703
1 Bed
From$712
To$1,510
↑ $798
2 Bed
From$914
To$1,750
↑ $836
3 Bed
From$1,207
To$2,330
↑ $1,123
Topeka, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $680–$1,230/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,339
Difference

Home Values

Topeka
Phoenix
$151K
Median Value
$414K
↓ -1.3%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +43%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$63K - $374K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 174% more expensive than Topeka

Calculate payment - TopekaCalculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $3.2K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$265
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.1%
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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Topeka, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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
Phoenix
46 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
59.3%
Good Air Days
9%
97 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
▲+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Kansas and Arizona 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 Phoenix, AZ

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

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