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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Arlington is 64% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,389/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 32%
$73,519/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 24%
$276,400 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 53%
$1,420/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 35%
394,769
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $442/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,304/year.

Median household income is $17,617/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Topeka — common questions

Is Arlington or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Topeka?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $442/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Topeka?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $17,617/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Topeka details →

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