Cost of Living: Columbia, SC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Columbia

South Carolina
80
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Columbia is 38% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,158/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 18%
$55,653/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$55,902/yr ≈ Same
$243,500 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 46%
$1,169/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 20%
138,019
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbia, SC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $249/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbia is $243,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbia vs Topeka — common questions

Is Columbia or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbia and Topeka?
Median rent in Columbia is $1,158/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbia or Topeka?
Median household income is $55,653 in Columbia and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $249/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Kansas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Columbia or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Columbia has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,158/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 Columbia details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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