Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Topeka is 42% cheaper than Wilmington.

$947/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 38%
$55,902/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 14%
$130,600 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 168%
$930/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 47%
126,103
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $7,998/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Topeka or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Wilmington?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Wilmington?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $7,998/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and North Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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