Cost of Living: Kent, WA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Kent

Washington
145
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Kent is 150% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,833/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 48%
$90,416/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 38%
$537,500 ↑ 312%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 76%
$1,915/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 51%
135,015
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kent, WA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 145 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $34,514/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kent is $537,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kent vs Topeka — common questions

Is Kent or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kent and Topeka?
Median rent in Kent is $1,833/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Kent or Topeka?
Median household income is $90,416 in Kent and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $34,514/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Kansas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Kent or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Kent has a cost index of 145 with median rent of $1,833/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 Kent details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kent and Topeka

Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks