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

Waco

Texas
72
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Waco is 24% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,098/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 14%
$51,468/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 9%
$199,600 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 35%
$1,094/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 15%
141,925
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Waco, TX and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 72 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $151/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,812/year.

Median household income is $4,434/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Waco is $199,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Waco vs Topeka — common questions

Is Waco or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 72 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Waco and Topeka?
Median rent in Waco is $1,098/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $151/month.
Which city has higher income, Waco or Topeka?
Median household income is $51,468 in Waco and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,434/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Waco or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Waco has a cost index of 72 with median rent of $1,098/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 Waco details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Waco and Topeka

Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks