Cost of Living: Lubbock, TX vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Lubbock is 29% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,137/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 17%
$60,487/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 8%
$197,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 34%
$1,179/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 21%
261,078
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $4,585/year higher in Lubbock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Topeka — common questions

Is Lubbock or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 75 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Topeka?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Topeka?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,585/year higher in Lubbock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lubbock or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Topeka details →

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