Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Tulsa is 16% more expensive than Topeka.

$998/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 5%
$58,407/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 4%
$189,600 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 31%
$1,027/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 9%
412,322
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.9%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $2,505/year higher in Tulsa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Tulsa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Topeka — common questions

Is Tulsa or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Topeka?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Topeka?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $2,505/year higher in Tulsa.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Kansas?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tulsa details → View Topeka details →

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