Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Wichita is 12% more expensive than Topeka.

$960/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 1%
$63,072/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 11%
$179,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 27%
$994/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 6%
396,488
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,170/year higher in Wichita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Kansas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Topeka — common questions

Is Wichita or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 65 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Topeka?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Topeka?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $7,170/year higher in Wichita.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Kansas?
Both cities are in Kansas and share the same state tax rates: 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Topeka details →

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