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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

McAllen is 14% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,017/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 7%
$60,165/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 7%
$173,800 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 25%
$996/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 7%
143,789
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $70/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $840/year.

Median household income is $4,263/year higher in McAllen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Topeka — common questions

Is McAllen or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Topeka?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $70/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Topeka?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,263/year higher in McAllen.
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 McAllen or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/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 McAllen details → View Topeka details →

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