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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Topeka is 33% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$947/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 57%
$55,902/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↑ 21%
$130,600 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$248,000 ↑ 90%
$930/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↑ 29%
126,103
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $540/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,480/year.

Median household income is $11,619/year higher in Palm Bay. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Topeka or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $540/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $11,619/year higher in Palm Bay.
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 Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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