Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Birmingham is 7% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,047/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 10%
$44,376/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 26%
$138,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 6%
$991/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 6%
199,322
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $11,526/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Topeka — common questions

Is Birmingham or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 62 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Topeka?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Topeka?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $11,526/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Kansas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Topeka

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks