Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Montgomery is 10% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,059/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 11%
$55,687/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$55,902/yr ≈ Same
$148,500 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 12%
$1,023/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 9%
198,440
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $215/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Topeka — common questions

Is Montgomery or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 64 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Topeka?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Topeka?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $215/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Kansas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Topeka details →

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