Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

Topeka is 24% cheaper than Waterbury.

$947/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↑ 25%
$55,902/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 8%
$130,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$185,400 ↑ 42%
$930/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↑ 37%
126,103
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $4,260/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Waterbury — common questions

Is Topeka or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Waterbury?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Waterbury?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $4,260/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Connecticut?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Waterbury details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Waterbury

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Waterbury vs. Carlsbad Waterbury vs. Provo Waterbury vs. East Los Angeles Waterbury vs. Elgin Waterbury vs. Lowell Waterbury vs. Odessa