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

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Garland is 66% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,525/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 38%
$74,717/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 25%
$248,900 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 48%
$1,445/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 36%
245,298
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $18,815/year higher in Garland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Topeka — common questions

Is Garland or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Topeka?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Topeka?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $18,815/year higher in Garland.
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 Garland or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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