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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Atlanta is 110% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,617/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 41%
$81,938/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 32%
$420,600 ↑ 222%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 69%
$1,695/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 45%
499,287
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $670/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,040/year.

Median household income is $26,036/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Topeka — common questions

Is Atlanta or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Topeka?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $670/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Topeka?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $26,036/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Topeka details →

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