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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Tacoma is 117% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,597/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 41%
$83,857/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 33%
$454,600 ↑ 248%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 71%
$1,747/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 47%
220,482
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $27,955/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Topeka — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Topeka?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Topeka?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $27,955/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Topeka details →

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