Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Providence is 71% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,333/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 29%
$66,772/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 16%
$322,800 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 60%
$1,467/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 37%
190,214
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $10,870/year higher in Providence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Topeka — common questions

Is Providence or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Topeka?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Topeka?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $10,870/year higher in Providence.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Kansas?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Topeka details →

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