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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Austin is 131% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,655/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 43%
$91,461/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 39%
$512,700 ↑ 293%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 75%
$1,747/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 47%
967,862
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $708/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,496/year.

Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Topeka — common questions

Is Austin or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Topeka?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $708/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Topeka?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $35,559/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Topeka details →

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