Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Anchorage is 95% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,453/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 35%
$98,152/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 43%
$375,900 ↑ 188%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 65%
$1,698/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 45%
289,069
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.04%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $506/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,072/year.

Median household income is $42,250/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Topeka — common questions

Is Anchorage or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Topeka?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $506/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Topeka?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $42,250/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Kansas?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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