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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Topeka is 57% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$947/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 105%
$55,902/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 146%
$130,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 211%
$930/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 112%
126,103
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $992/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $11,904/year.

Median household income is $81,609/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Topeka or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $992/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $81,609/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Sugar Land

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks