Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Durham is 81% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,412/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 33%
$79,234/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 29%
$355,300 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 63%
$1,434/mo ↑ 54%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 35%
288,465
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $465/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,580/year.

Median household income is $23,332/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Topeka — common questions

Is Durham or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Topeka?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $465/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Topeka?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $23,332/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Topeka details →

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