Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Independence, MO (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Topeka is 13% cheaper than Independence.

$947/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↑ 12%
$55,902/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↑ 6%
$130,600 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$166,400 ↑ 27%
$930/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↑ 12%
126,103
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $3,578/year higher in Independence. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Independence — common questions

Is Topeka or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Independence?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Independence?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $3,578/year higher in Independence.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Missouri?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Independence

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