Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Lincoln is 33% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,045/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 9%
$69,991/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 20%
$248,200 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 47%
$1,140/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 18%
291,932
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $14,089/year higher in Lincoln. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Topeka — common questions

Is Lincoln or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Topeka?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Topeka?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $14,089/year higher in Lincoln.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Kansas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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