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

Fort Worth

Texas
97
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fort Worth is 67% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,412/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 33%
$76,602/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 27%
$277,300 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 53%
$1,489/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 38%
941,311
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Worth, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $465/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,580/year.

Median household income is $20,700/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Worth is $277,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Worth vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth and Topeka?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,412/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $465/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Worth or Topeka?
Median household income is $76,602 in Fort Worth and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $20,700/year higher in Fort Worth.
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 Fort Worth or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 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 Fort Worth details → View Topeka details →

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