Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Newark is 72% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,330/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 29%
$48,416/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 15%
$337,800 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 61%
$1,419/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 34%
307,188
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $7,486/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Topeka — common questions

Is Newark or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Topeka?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Topeka?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $7,486/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Kansas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Topeka

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks