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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Spokane is 55% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,141/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 17%
$65,745/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 15%
$326,200 ↑ 150%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 60%
$1,213/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 23%
229,228
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $9,843/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Topeka — common questions

Is Spokane or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Topeka?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Topeka?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $9,843/year higher in Spokane.
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 Spokane or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Topeka details →

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