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

Nashville

Tennessee
110
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Nashville is 90% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,486/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 36%
$75,197/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 26%
$383,100 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 66%
$1,471/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 37%
684,298
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Nashville, TN and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $19,295/year higher in Nashville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Nashville is $383,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Nashville vs Topeka — common questions

Is Nashville or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Nashville and Topeka?
Median rent in Nashville is $1,486/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Nashville or Topeka?
Median household income is $75,197 in Nashville and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $19,295/year higher in Nashville.
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 Nashville or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Nashville has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,486/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 Nashville details → View Topeka details →

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