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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Topeka is 52% cheaper than Round Rock.

$947/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 81%
$55,902/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 74%
$130,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 194%
$930/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 92%
126,103
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $766/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $9,192/year.

Median household income is $41,285/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Topeka or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Round Rock?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $766/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Round Rock?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $41,285/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Round Rock details →

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