Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Albuquerque is 22% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,085/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 13%
$65,604/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 15%
$266,700 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 51%
$1,149/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 19%
562,488
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $9,702/year higher in Albuquerque. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Topeka — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Topeka?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Topeka?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $9,702/year higher in Albuquerque.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Kansas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/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.
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