Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Baltimore is 45% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,290/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 27%
$59,623/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 6%
$219,300 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 40%
$1,333/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 30%
577,193
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $3,721/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Topeka — common questions

Is Baltimore or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Topeka?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Topeka?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $3,721/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Kansas?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Topeka details →

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