Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Topeka is 21% cheaper than Allentown.

$947/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 34%
$55,902/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 4%
$130,600 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$188,900 ↑ 45%
$930/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↑ 34%
126,103
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $322/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $3,864/year.

Median household income is $2,499/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Allentown — common questions

Is Topeka or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Allentown?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $322/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Allentown?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $2,499/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Pennsylvania?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Allentown details →