Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Lakewood is 143% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,746/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 46%
$85,789/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 35%
$548,200 ↑ 320%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 76%
$1,729/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 46%
156,309
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $29,887/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Topeka — common questions

Is Lakewood or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Topeka?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Topeka?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $29,887/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Topeka

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks