Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs College Station, TX (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Topeka is 36% cheaper than College Station.

$947/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 23%
$55,902/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 7%
$130,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 150%
$930/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 35%
126,103
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $4,126/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs College Station — common questions

Is Topeka or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and College Station?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or College Station?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $4,126/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and College Station

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette