Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Dallas is 67% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,403/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 33%
$67,760/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 18%
$295,300 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 56%
$1,409/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 34%
1,299,553
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $11,858/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Topeka — common questions

Is Dallas or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Topeka?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Topeka?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $11,858/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Topeka details →

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