Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Alexandria is 115% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,031/mo ↑ 114%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 53%
$113,638/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 51%
$696,800 ↑ 434%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 81%
$2,173/mo ↑ 134%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 57%
156,788
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,084/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $13,008/year.

Median household income is $57,736/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Topeka — common questions

Is Alexandria or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Topeka?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,084/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Topeka?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $57,736/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Kansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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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