Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Cary is 133% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,621/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 42%
$129,399/yr ↑ 131%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 57%
$525,200 ↑ 302%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 75%
$1,744/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 47%
176,686
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $674/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,088/year.

Median household income is $73,497/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Topeka — common questions

Is Cary or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Topeka?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $674/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Topeka?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $73,497/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Topeka

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks