Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Athens 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, 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 is $271,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Topeka — common questions

Is Athens 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 and Topeka?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Topeka?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens 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 or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Athens 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.
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