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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Topeka is 30% cheaper than Odessa.

$947/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 40%
$55,902/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 31%
$130,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 59%
$930/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 35%
126,103
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $17,128/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Odessa — common questions

Is Topeka or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Odessa?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Odessa?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $17,128/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Odessa

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham