Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Huntsville is 34% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,078/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 12%
$70,778/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 21%
$263,100 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 50%
$1,046/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 11%
218,814
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $14,876/year higher in Huntsville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Huntsville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Topeka — common questions

Is Huntsville or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 78 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Topeka?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Topeka?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $14,876/year higher in Huntsville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Kansas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Topeka

Huntsville vs. Spring Valley Huntsville vs. Modesto Huntsville vs. Port St. Lucie Huntsville vs. Des Moines Huntsville vs. Tacoma Huntsville vs. Fontana Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks