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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Topeka is 58% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$947/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 89%
$55,902/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 153%
$130,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 267%
$930/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 116%
126,103
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $845/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $10,140/year.

Median household income is $85,451/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Topeka or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $845/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $85,451/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and The Woodlands

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