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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

McKinney is 138% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,841/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 49%
$120,273/yr ↑ 115%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 54%
$439,500 ↑ 237%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 70%
$2,101/mo ↑ 126%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 56%
202,314
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $894/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $10,728/year.

Median household income is $64,371/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Topeka — common questions

Is McKinney or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Topeka?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $894/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Topeka?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $64,371/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Topeka

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks