Cost of Living: Omaha, NE vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Omaha

Nebraska
80
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Omaha is 38% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,150/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 18%
$72,708/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 23%
$230,100 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 43%
$1,249/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 26%
488,197
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Omaha, NE and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $16,806/year higher in Omaha. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Omaha is $230,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Omaha vs Topeka — common questions

Is Omaha or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 80 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Omaha and Topeka?
Median rent in Omaha is $1,150/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Omaha or Topeka?
Median household income is $72,708 in Omaha and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $16,806/year higher in Omaha.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Kansas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Omaha or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Omaha has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,150/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 Omaha details → View Topeka details →

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