Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Richmond is 69% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,314/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 28%
$62,671/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 11%
$328,100 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 60%
$1,374/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 32%
227,595
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $6,769/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Topeka — common questions

Is Richmond or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Topeka?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Topeka?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $6,769/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Kansas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Topeka details →

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