Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Raleigh is 90% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,468/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 35%
$82,424/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 32%
$377,800 ↑ 189%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 65%
$1,487/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 37%
470,763
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $521/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,252/year.

Median household income is $26,522/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Topeka — common questions

Is Raleigh or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Topeka?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $521/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Topeka?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $26,522/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Topeka details →

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