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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Louisville is 28% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,069/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 11%
$64,731/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 14%
$221,500 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 41%
$1,118/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 17%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $8,829/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Topeka — common questions

Is Louisville 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 Louisville and Topeka?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Topeka?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $8,829/year higher in Louisville.
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 Louisville or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Topeka details →

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