Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Topeka is 5% cheaper than Peoria.

$947/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$951/mo ≈ Same
$55,902/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 5%
$130,600 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$149,500 ↑ 14%
$930/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↑ 8%
126,103
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,814/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Peoria — common questions

Is Topeka or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Peoria?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Peoria?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $2,814/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Peoria

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo