Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Memphis is 17% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,123/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 16%
$51,211/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 9%
$157,100 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 17%
$1,087/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 14%
629,063
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $4,691/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Topeka — common questions

Is Memphis or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Topeka?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Topeka?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,691/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Topeka

Memphis vs. Detroit Memphis vs. Louisville Memphis vs. Portland Memphis vs. Baltimore Memphis vs. Las Vegas Memphis vs. Milwaukee Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks