Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Bellevue is 331% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,505/mo ↑ 165%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 62%
$161,300/yr ↑ 189%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 65%
$1,203,100 ↑ 821%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 89%
$2,586/mo ↑ 178%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 64%
151,199
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,558/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $18,696/year.

Median household income is $105,398/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Topeka — common questions

Is Bellevue or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Topeka?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,558/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Topeka?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $105,398/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Kansas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Topeka details →

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