Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Portland is 138% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,596/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 41%
$88,792/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 37%
$557,600 ↑ 327%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 77%
$1,771/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 47%
642,715
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $649/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $7,788/year.

Median household income is $32,890/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Topeka — common questions

Is Portland or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Topeka?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $649/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Topeka?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $32,890/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Kansas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Topeka

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks