Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Seattle is 238% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,998/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 53%
$121,984/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 54%
$912,100 ↑ 598%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 86%
$2,220/mo ↑ 139%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 58%
741,440
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $66,082/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Topeka — common questions

Is Seattle or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Topeka?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,051/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Topeka?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $66,082/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Kansas?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Topeka details →

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