Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Topeka is 51% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$947/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 80%
$55,902/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 24%
$130,600 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 183%
$930/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 79%
126,103
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $762/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $9,144/year.

Median household income is $13,359/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Topeka or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $762/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $13,359/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Florida?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and West Palm Beach

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings