Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Mesa is 84% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,478/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 36%
$78,779/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 29%
$364,300 ↑ 179%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 64%
$1,404/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 34%
507,478
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $22,877/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Topeka — common questions

Is Mesa or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Topeka?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Topeka?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $22,877/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kansas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Topeka details →

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