Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Chesapeake is 93% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,523/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 38%
$94,189/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 41%
$359,100 ↑ 175%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 64%
$1,680/mo ↑ 81%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 45%
251,153
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $38,287/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Topeka — common questions

Is Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake and Topeka?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Topeka?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $38,287/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Kansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Chesapeake or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/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 Chesapeake details → View Topeka details →

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