Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Madison is 78% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,364/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 31%
$76,983/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 27%
$346,900 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 62%
$1,476/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 37%
275,568
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $21,081/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Topeka — common questions

Is Madison or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Topeka?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Topeka?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $21,081/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Kansas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Topeka details →

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