Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Lexington is 41% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,101/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 14%
$67,631/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 17%
$272,100 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 52%
$1,160/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 20%
321,122
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $11,729/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Topeka — common questions

Is Lexington or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Topeka?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Topeka?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $11,729/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Kansas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lexington and Topeka

Lexington vs. Henderson Lexington vs. Stockton Lexington vs. Anaheim Lexington vs. Corpus Christi Lexington vs. Honolulu Lexington vs. Riverside Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks