Cost of Living: Cedar Rapids, IA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Cedar Rapids is 12% more expensive than Topeka.

$925/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↑ 2%
$67,859/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 18%
$177,100 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 26%
$1,084/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 14%
136,859
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

16.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cedar Rapids, IA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,957/year higher in Cedar Rapids. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cedar Rapids is $177,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cedar Rapids vs Topeka — common questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cedar Rapids and Topeka?
Median rent in Cedar Rapids is $925/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $22/month.
Which city has higher income, Cedar Rapids or Topeka?
Median household income is $67,859 in Cedar Rapids and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $11,957/year higher in Cedar Rapids.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Kansas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cedar Rapids or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $925/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 Cedar Rapids details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cedar Rapids and Topeka

Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks