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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Houston is 52% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,313/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 28%
$62,894/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 11%
$253,400 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 48%
$1,316/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 29%
2,300,419
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $6,992/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Topeka — common questions

Is Houston or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Topeka?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Topeka?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $6,992/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Topeka

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks