Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Scottsdale is 184% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,910/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 50%
$107,372/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 48%
$709,900 ↑ 444%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 82%
$1,824/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 49%
242,169
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $963/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $11,556/year.

Median household income is $51,470/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Topeka — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Topeka?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $963/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Topeka?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $51,470/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kansas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Topeka

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