Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Topeka is 56% cheaper than Meridian.

$947/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 81%
$55,902/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 77%
$130,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 271%
$930/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 73%
126,103
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $42,784/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Meridian — common questions

Is Topeka or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Meridian?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Meridian?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $42,784/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Idaho?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Meridian

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord