Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Topeka is 25% cheaper than Lafayette.

$947/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↑ 12%
$55,902/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↑ 10%
$130,600 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 92%
$930/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↑ 14%
126,103
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $5,552/year higher in Lafayette. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Topeka or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 77 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Lafayette?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Lafayette?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $5,552/year higher in Lafayette.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Louisiana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Lafayette

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