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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Topeka is 45% cheaper than Clearwater.

$947/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 63%
$55,902/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 15%
$130,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 150%
$930/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 52%
126,103
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $8,538/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Topeka or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Clearwater?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Clearwater?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $8,538/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Florida?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Clearwater

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville