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

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Amarillo is 11% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,049/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 10%
$62,469/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 11%
$186,800 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 30%
$1,074/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 13%
200,945
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $102/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,224/year.

Median household income is $6,567/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Topeka — common questions

Is Amarillo or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Topeka?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $102/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Topeka?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $6,567/year higher in Amarillo.
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 Amarillo or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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 Amarillo details → View Topeka details →