Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Denver is 153% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,770/mo ↑ 87%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 46%
$91,681/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 39%
$586,700 ↑ 349%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 78%
$1,839/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 49%
713,734
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $823/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $9,876/year.

Median household income is $35,779/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Topeka — common questions

Is Denver or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Topeka?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $823/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Topeka?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $35,779/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Topeka details →

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