Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Washington is 195% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,900/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 50%
$106,287/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 47%
$724,600 ↑ 455%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 82%
$2,103/mo ↑ 126%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 56%
672,079
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $953/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $11,436/year.

Median household income is $50,385/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Topeka — common questions

Is Washington or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Topeka?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $953/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Topeka?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $50,385/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Kansas?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Topeka

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks