Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Cincinnati is 19% more expensive than Topeka.

$953/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$947/mo ≈ Same
$51,707/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 8%
$215,300 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 39%
$1,041/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 11%
309,595
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,195/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Topeka — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Topeka?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Topeka?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,195/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Kansas?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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 Cincinnati details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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