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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Topeka is 55% cheaper than Richardson.

$947/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 93%
$55,902/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 72%
$130,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 211%
$930/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 93%
126,103
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $40,355/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Richardson — common questions

Is Topeka or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Richardson?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Richardson?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $40,355/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Richardson

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater