Compare Movers and Prices
Location

The Cost of Living in Topeka, KS

Cost of Living in Topeka

If you’re considering moving to Topeka, Kansas, you’ll be happy to know that the cost of living there is significantly lower than the national average. This is true almost entirely across the board: for housing, food, and transportation. It’s also cheaper to live in Topeka than in most areas of Kansas, which can be a deciding factor if you’re looking to move to the Sunflower State but aren’t sure which city to settle down in.

Cost of Housing

While the national average cost of housing has an index of 100, housing in Topeka, KS is rated at 57. That’s a huge difference! And what it means practically is that:

  • You’ll be more likely to afford a home there than in other cities
  • You’ll be more likely to afford a larger home than you would in other cities

How cheap are we talking? The median home cost if $106,900 and the average rent per month is $728. That being said, it’s not like you’ll be earning an NYC salary and paying Topeka housing costs, so you’ll still need to make sure that you apply for a mortgage/rent that’s within your means.

Average Income

The median household income in Topeka, KS is about $42,000, compared to the national median household salary of approximately $56,000. The difference is significant; however, the housing market is low enough that even with lower income than the national average, living there is very affordable.

Cost of Food

The cost of food in Topeka, KS is 7% lower than the national average, another bonus of living there. Which means that you can enjoy relatively inexpensive groceries and purchase food items you may not have splurged on elsewhere.

In terms of eating out, you can easily enjoy a 3-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant for under $50. While the sales tax isn’t too great (6.5%), there is a proposed bill to lower it to 4% in 2019 and then 2% in 2020.

Cost of Utilities

The cost of utilities in Topeka is slightly higher than the national average, with an index of 103. This is the only area in which Topeka rates higher than the national average. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to cut down on the cost of heating and air conditioning, given the city’s relatively hot summers and cold winters.

Cost of Transportation

The cost of transportation in Topeka, KS is 19% lower than the national average and 8% lower than the state average. Not only is transportation relatively inexpensive, but in 2016 Kansas roads ranked 3rd in a national report. And in addition to high-quality roads, Topeka also has easily accessible public transportation.

Cost of Healthcare

The cost of healthcare in Topeka, KS in on par with the nation’s average. The average cost of healthcare is determined by the standard daily rate for a hospital room, the costs of a doctor’s office visit, and a dental checkup.

High Quality of Life

The Topeka Chamber recognizes that the city’s low cost of living is one of the biggest contributing factors to the high quality of life in Topeka, KS. Other factors include excellent neighborhood schools, housing in all price ranges, a regional medical center, educational and recreational attractions, easy access to parks, and loads of cultural activities. All in all, there are some great reasons to consider moving to Topeka, KS!

About the author

Unpakt Team