Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Columbus is 19% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,072/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 12%
$56,622/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 1%
$182,300 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 28%
$1,064/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 13%
204,383
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $720/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Topeka — common questions

Is Columbus 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 Columbus and Topeka?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Topeka?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $720/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Kansas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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