Cost of Living in Topeka, Kansas (2026)
COL Index
80
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$940
per month
Median HHI
$48K
per year
State Tax
5.7%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Topeka |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $750 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $940 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,250 |
| Median home price | $180K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 92 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $10 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $44 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $40 |
| Gas price/gal | $2.95 |
| Car insurance/mo | $142 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $150 |
| Internet/mo | $55 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $48K |
| State income tax rate | 5.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.6% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 80 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 |
Is Topeka affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,538/mo take-home
37% rent burden · Tight
$50K
~$2,923/mo take-home
32% rent burden · Manageable
$60K
~$3,508/mo take-home
27% rent burden · Comfortable
$75K
~$4,384/mo take-home
21% rent burden · Very comfortable
$80K
~$4,677/mo take-home
20% rent burden · Very comfortable
$100K
~$5,846/mo take-home
16% rent burden · Very comfortable
$120K
~$6,585/mo take-home
14% rent burden · Very comfortable
$150K
~$8,231/mo take-home
11% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only