Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Des Moines is 21% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,054/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 10%
$63,966/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 13%
$183,700 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 29%
$1,137/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 18%
212,464
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $8,064/year higher in Des Moines. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Topeka — common questions

Is Des Moines or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 70 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Topeka?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Topeka?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $8,064/year higher in Des Moines.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Kansas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Topeka details →

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