Cost of Living: Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia

Georgia

Topeka

Kansas

Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia is 25% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,162/mo ↑ 23%

Median Rent

$947/mo ↓ 19%

$51,655/yr ↓ 8%

Median Income

$55,902/yr ↑ 8%

$271,800 ↑ 108%

Home Value

$130,600 ↓ 52%

$1,163/mo ↑ 25%

Owner Costs

$930/mo ↓ 20%

126,987

Population

126,103

Tax Comparison

5.49%

Income Tax

5.7%

4.0%

Sales Tax

6.5%

0.92%

Property Tax

1.41%

Affordability

27.0%

rent-to-income

Affordability

20.3%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $4,247/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia is $271,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia vs Topeka — common questions

Is Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia or Topeka cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 83 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia and Topeka?

Median rent in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia is $1,162/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $215/month.

Which city has higher income, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia or Topeka?

Median household income is $51,655 in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,247/year higher in Topeka.

How do taxes compare between Georgia and Kansas?

Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.

Should I move to Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia or Topeka?

It depends on your priorities. Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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.