Cost of Living: Knoxville, TN vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Knoxville

Tennessee
74
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Knoxville is 28% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,116/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 15%
$50,994/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 10%
$214,000 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 39%
$1,075/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 13%
193,721
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Knoxville, TN and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $169/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,028/year.

Median household income is $4,908/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Knoxville is $214,000 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Knoxville vs Topeka — common questions

Is Knoxville or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Knoxville and Topeka?
Median rent in Knoxville is $1,116/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $169/month.
Which city has higher income, Knoxville or Topeka?
Median household income is $50,994 in Knoxville and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,908/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Knoxville or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,116/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 Knoxville details → View Topeka details →

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