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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Arlington is 250% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,275/mo ↑ 140%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 58%
$140,160/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 60%
$864,800 ↑ 562%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 85%
$2,414/mo ↑ 160%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 61%
235,463
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,328/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $15,936/year.

Median household income is $84,258/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Topeka?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,328/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Topeka?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $84,258/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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