salaryTopeka is the 5th-largest city in Kansas that we track, with 125,786 residents. Rent is lower than in 79% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Commutes are short, about 16.7 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $45,920 a year. That is $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Kansas cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of Kansas. It is number 23 of 65 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Topeka?
Share of households by yearly income. 16.2% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Topeka
| Size | Topeka | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $743 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $840 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,124 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,354 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,554 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Topeka overall?
Everyday prices in the Topeka metro area are 11% below the U.S. average (index 88.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Topeka
Life in Topeka
What jobs pay in Topeka
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $140,820 | 9.8% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,740 | 10.4% |
| Physician Assistant | $129,800 | 10.6% |
| Software Developer | $111,870 | 12.3% |
| Lawyer | $102,500 | 13.4% |
| Civil Engineer | $93,740 | 14.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $88,220 | 15.6% |
| Operations Manager | $85,080 | 16.2% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $84,130 | 16.4% |
| Registered Nurse | $81,820 | 16.8% |
| Accountant | $76,280 | 18.1% |
| Plumber | $75,090 | 18.3% |
| Electrician | $65,520 | 21.0% |
| Market Research Analyst | $65,340 | 21.1% |
| HVAC Technician | $64,480 | 21.4% |
| Police Officer | $63,920 | 21.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,210 | 22.1% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $58,950 | 23.4% |
| Truck Driver | $58,870 | 23.4% |
| Firefighter | $57,570 | 23.9% |
| Carpenter | $51,210 | 26.9% |
| Warehouse Worker | $49,140 | 28.0% |
| Medical Assistant | $46,070 | 29.9% |
| Customer Service Representative | $43,180 | 31.9% |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,720 | 35.6% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,090 | 39.3% |
| Restaurant Cook | $34,450 | 40.0% |
| Retail Salesperson | $32,820 | 42.0% |
| Cashier | $28,580 | 48.2% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Topeka?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $147 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $144,200 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $14,420 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Topeka, KS?
Renting in Topeka costs a median of about $1,148 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Kansas median is $1,222.
How much do I need to make to live in Topeka?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $45,920 a year, or $22 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Topeka cheap or expensive?
Topeka is rated OK: rent takes 22.4% of the typical household income of $61,427. It ranks 23rd cheapest of 65 Kansas cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Topeka?
The median homeowner in Topeka pays $2,132 a year in property taxes, about 1.48% of the median home value.
Is Topeka more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 11% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Topeka?
The median home value in Topeka is $144,200, about 2.3 times the typical yearly household income.
125,786 people live in Topeka. Numbers are typical (middle) values.