Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Norfolk is 53% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,246/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 24%
$64,017/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 13%
$271,900 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 52%
$1,366/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 32%
235,037
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $8,115/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Topeka — common questions

Is Norfolk or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Topeka?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Topeka?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $8,115/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Kansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Topeka details →

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