Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Topeka is 62% cheaper than Arvada.

$947/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 90%
$55,902/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 103%
$130,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 360%
$930/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 109%
126,103
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $855/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $10,260/year.

Median household income is $57,494/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Arvada — common questions

Is Topeka or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Arvada?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $855/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Arvada?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $57,494/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Arvada details →

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