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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Surprise is 117% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,917/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 51%
$93,371/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 40%
$396,000 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 67%
$1,587/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 41%
149,519
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

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $37,469/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Topeka — common questions

Is Surprise or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Topeka?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Topeka?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $37,469/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Topeka

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks