Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Philadelphia is 47% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,323/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 28%
$60,698/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 8%
$232,400 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 44%
$1,233/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 25%
1,582,432
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $376/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,512/year.

Median household income is $4,796/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Topeka — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Topeka?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $376/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Topeka?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,796/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Kansas?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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