Performance
Score Breakdown
Topeka
Kansas City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% lower compared to Kansas City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Topeka's average rent is
27% lower than Kansas City's.
| Metric | Topeka | Kansas City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $1,231 | -27% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $245 | $180 | +36% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,965 | $2,231 | -12% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Kansas City offers 19% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Kansas City delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Topeka is estimated at
$55,000 vs $50,000 in Kansas City.
| Metric | Topeka | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,547 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,892 idx | 87,640 idx |
| Household Income | $69,888 | $56,120 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Topeka | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Topeka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Kansas City.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Topeka leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Topeka | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 25.0/10 |
| Walkability | 37.0/10 | 32.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Kansas City is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Topeka.
From a growth perspective, Kansas City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Topeka has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Topeka | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,607 | 155,438 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Topeka
Advantages
The cost of living in Topeka is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Topeka boasts short average commute times, reducing daily travel stress for residents.
The city offers a strong sense of community, often described as a 'biggest small town' feel.
There is a diverse range of housing options available, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Topeka provides ample parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation and an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Topeka has a high crime rate, particularly for violent and property crimes, exceeding national averages.
Public transportation options are minimal, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Topeka can be hot and humid, with extreme weather patterns.
Healthcare costs, specifically health insurance premiums, are higher than the national average.
The city's job growth rate is projected to be modest, potentially slower than national and regional averages.
Kansas City
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing, groceries, and healthcare generally below national averages.
Strong job market with diverse opportunities in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
Home to nationally recognized healthcare facilities, including The University of Kansas Hospital, consistently ranked as a top hospital.
Vibrant cultural scene, known for its rich jazz heritage and world-famous barbecue.
Relatively quick commute times compared to other major urban areas.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency.
Unpredictable weather with cold winters, hot and humid summers, and a risk of tornadoes.
Lower walkability score compared to more pedestrian-friendly cities.
Certain areas experience higher violent crime rates, which can be a concern for residents.
The city is landlocked, lacking easy access to beaches or mountains.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Topeka
#65Kansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
37.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
Kansas City
#21Kansas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,231
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
89
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
68
Business
75
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