Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Kansas City

Missouri
80
VS

Topeka

Kansas City
58

Kansas City is 38% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,186/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 20%
$67,449/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 17%
$227,000 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 42%
$1,205/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 23%
508,233
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, MO and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $11,547/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $227,000 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Topeka — common questions

Is Kansas City or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Topeka?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,186/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Topeka?
Median household income is $67,449 in Kansas City and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $11,547/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Kansas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,186/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 Kansas City details → View Topeka details →

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