Thinking about relocating to the Midwest? You’re not alone. With rising home prices in larger metros like Kansas City, many families and first-time buyers are looking for more affordable options—without sacrificing quality of life. Enter: Topeka, Kansas.
In this post, we’re breaking down the cost of living in Topeka vs Kansas City so you can see exactly where your money goes—and how much you could save by making the move.
🏡 Housing Costs: Topeka Wins Big
One of the biggest expenses in any city is housing. And when it comes to affordability, Topeka beats Kansas City hands down.
| City | Median Home Price |
|---|---|
| Topeka | $160,000 |
| Kansas City | $260,000+ |
That’s a difference of over $100,000 in average home prices! Not only does this make homeownership more accessible in Topeka, but it also means lower property taxes and insurance rates.
💡 Want to see what homes you could afford in Topeka? Search homes for sale.
🛒 Groceries, Gas, & Everyday Living
Your day-to-day costs matter, too. Here’s how Topeka stacks up:
- Groceries: 5–10% cheaper than Kansas City
- Gas prices: Typically $0.10–$0.20 less per gallon
- Utilities: Slightly lower average monthly bills
Whether you’re feeding a family or commuting to work, Topeka keeps more money in your pocket.
🧾 Taxes & Insurance
- Property Taxes: While Kansas overall isn’t known for low property taxes, Topeka homes are valued lower—so you’ll pay less in actual dollars.
- Auto Insurance: Topeka drivers pay roughly 10–15% less on average.
⏱️ Commute Times
Topeka’s average commute is just 16 minutes, compared to Kansas City’s 23+ minutes. That’s less time in traffic—and more time at home.
💬 The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a city with:
- Affordable home prices
- Manageable taxes
- Shorter commutes
- Lower everyday costs
…Topeka is worth a serious look. Many of our clients who make the move from KC to Topeka are surprised at how far their money goes—and how much they enjoy the slower pace of life.
💬 Thinking about relocating? Let’s chat. We’d love to help you explore your options and make the move as smooth as possible.
About the Author:
The above article “Cost of Living in Topeka vs Kansas City: How Much Could You Save?“ was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis REALTORS®, local leaders in Topeka Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media. You can contact the Armbruster Team at (785) 260-4384 or through this form. They have helped hundreds of people buy and sell homes in the Topeka area and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Are you thinking about selling your home? They have a passion for listing and selling homes in Topeka and would love the chance to use their expertise in Real Estate, Marketing, and Social Media to help you sell or buy yours!
Are you interested in buying a home? Give the Armbruster Team a call. They’ve helped people buy and sell real estate in all of the following Topeka School Districts.
