Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Abilene is 13% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,106/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 14%
$62,720/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 11%
$178,900 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 27%
$1,114/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 17%
127,130
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $6,818/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Topeka — common questions

Is Abilene or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Topeka?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Topeka?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $6,818/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Topeka details →