Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Chicago is 72% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,380/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 31%
$75,134/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 26%
$315,200 ↑ 141%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 59%
$1,502/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 38%
2,707,648
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $433/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,196/year.

Median household income is $19,232/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Topeka — common questions

Is Chicago or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Topeka?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $433/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Topeka?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $19,232/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Topeka details →

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