Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Elizabeth is 93% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,463/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 35%
$63,874/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 12%
$393,500 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 67%
$1,543/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 40%
135,887
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $7,972/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Topeka — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Topeka?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Topeka?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $7,972/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Kansas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Topeka

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks