Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Boise is 93% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,359/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 30%
$81,308/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 31%
$456,000 ↑ 249%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 71%
$1,337/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 30%
235,701
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $25,406/year higher in Boise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Topeka — common questions

Is Boise or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Topeka?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Topeka?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $25,406/year higher in Boise.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Kansas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Topeka

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks