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Topeka, KS

Cost of living in Topeka, Kansas

Shawnee County, KS

Part of the Topeka Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,821/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 178,315 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $752 27%
Federal tax $542 19%
Healthcare $480 17%
Transport $320 11%
Groceries $317 11%
Energy $193 7%
State tax $167 6%
Water $50 2%

Rent in Topeka

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$747
per month
1 bedroom
$752
per month
2 bedroom
$985
per month
3 bedroom
$1,280
per month
4 bedroom
$1,351
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Topeka

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$66,043
per year
Individual earnings
$43,198
per year
Per capita
$37,072
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Topeka

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$170,400
Annual property tax
$2,500

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Topeka

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$136
per month · 15.1¢/kWh
Natural gas
$57
per month
Annual total
$2,316
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Topeka

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
8.3%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Topeka

State and local tax rates for Kansas.

State income tax
5.7%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
6.5%
Combined sales tax
8.7%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Topeka

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
17.8 min
Drive alone
78.1%
Public transit
0.6%
Work from home
10.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Topeka

What it costs to live in Topeka each month.

Single person
$2,821
per month
  • Rent $752
  • Energy $193
  • Water $50
  • Groceries $317
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $542
  • State tax $167
Couple
$4,113
per month
  • Rent $985
  • Energy $232
  • Water $60
  • Groceries $525
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $751
  • State tax $276
Family
$6,534
per month
  • Rent $1,280
  • Energy $290
  • Water $70
  • Groceries $797
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $751
  • State tax $276

Frequently asked questions about Topeka

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Topeka?

In Topeka, Kansas, a one-bedroom apartment averages $752 per month, a two-bedroom averages $985 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,280 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Topeka?

In Topeka, Kansas, the average household income is $66,043 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $43,198 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Topeka?

The estimated cost of living in Topeka, Kansas is approximately $2,821 per month for a single person, $4,113 for a couple, $6,534 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Topeka?

The combined sales tax rate in Topeka, Kansas is 8.70%, which includes the Kansas state rate of 6.50% plus an average local rate of 2.20%.

Is Topeka an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Topeka, Kansas would need approximately $2,821 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $66,043 per year ($5,504 per month). Topeka has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Topeka?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Topeka, Kansas is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 8.3% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Topeka?

The average home value in Topeka, Kansas is $170,400, with average annual property taxes of $2,500, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Topeka compare to other areas?

You can compare Topeka, Kansas with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Topeka is in the Topeka, KS metro area.

Other counties in Kansas

Browse the full list of counties in Kansas, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Kansas

Compare Topeka with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources