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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Topeka is 29% cheaper than Lakeland.

$947/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 37%
$55,902/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 9%
$130,600 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 75%
$930/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 24%
126,103
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $5,045/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Topeka or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Lakeland?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Lakeland?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $5,045/year higher in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Lakeland

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