Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Billings, MT (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Topeka is 33% cheaper than Billings.

$947/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↑ 16%
$55,902/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 29%
$130,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 139%
$930/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 27%
126,103
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $15,953/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Billings — common questions

Is Topeka or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Billings?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Billings?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $15,953/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Montana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Billings details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Billings

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Billings vs. Wilmington Billings vs. Richardson Billings vs. Spring Hill Billings vs. Cambridge Billings vs. West Palm Beach Billings vs. North Charleston