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

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Pittsburgh is 31% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,221/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 22%
$64,137/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 13%
$193,200 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 32%
$1,136/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 18%
303,620
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

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pittsburgh, PA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $8,235/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pittsburgh is $193,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsburgh vs Topeka — common questions

Is Pittsburgh or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pittsburgh and Topeka?
Median rent in Pittsburgh is $1,221/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Pittsburgh or Topeka?
Median household income is $64,137 in Pittsburgh and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $8,235/year higher in Pittsburgh.
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 Pittsburgh or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,221/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 Pittsburgh details → View Topeka details →

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