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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Topeka is 52% cheaper than Pearland.

$947/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 86%
$55,902/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 101%
$130,600 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 153%
$930/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 111%
126,103
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $812/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $9,744/year.

Median household income is $56,568/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Pearland — common questions

Is Topeka or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Pearland?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $812/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Pearland?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $56,568/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Pearland details →

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