Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Tampa is 95% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,567/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 40%
$71,302/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 22%
$375,300 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 65%
$1,553/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 40%
393,389
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $15,400/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Topeka — common questions

Is Tampa or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Topeka?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Topeka?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $15,400/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Kansas?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Topeka details →

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