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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Tempe is 107% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,623/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 42%
$77,643/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 28%
$421,900 ↑ 223%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 69%
$1,554/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 40%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $676/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,112/year.

Median household income is $21,741/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Topeka — common questions

Is Tempe or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Topeka?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $676/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Topeka?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $21,741/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tempe and Topeka

Tempe vs. Brownsville Tempe vs. Paradise Tempe vs. Akron Tempe vs. Mobile Tempe vs. Providence Tempe vs. Newport News Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks