Last update: Oct 2026 United States 124.3K

Cost of Living in Topeka, KS

For one person, living costs in Topeka, KS are estimated at $1,922 a month, including rent and utilities – 29% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about half of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Topeka, KS

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Topeka, KS actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $1,922 monthly including rent, or $926 excluding housing.

$1,922 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $2,865 with rent, or $1,561 without housing.

$2,865 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $3,807 including rent, or $2,196 for daily expenses alone.

$3,807 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.47 $13.47
$9.97 $9.97
$37.90 $37.90
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$51.7 $51.7
$34.81 $34.81
$129 $129
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.87 $9.87
$7.89 $7.89
$12.83 $12.83
Cappuccino
$3.40 $3.40
$3.40 $3.40
$5.83 $5.83
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.26 $2.26
$1.46 $1.46
$3.41 $3.41
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.73 $1.73
$0.98 $0.98
$3.93 $3.93
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.51 $4.51
$4.01 $4.01
$7.02 $7.02
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.82 $8.82
$5.88 $5.88
$9.80 $9.80
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.81 $0.81
$0.58 $0.58
$1.27 $1.27
White Bread (500g)
$2.68 $2.68
$1.62 $1.62
$5.42 $5.42
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.99 $2.99
$2.04 $2.04
$8.85 $8.85
Eggs
$3.97 $3.97
$2.71 $2.71
$9.95 $9.95
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.99 $8.99
$6.72 $6.72
$26.99 $26.99
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$8.24 $8.24
$4.27 $4.27
$32.16 $32.16
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.74 $14.74
$6.11 $6.11
$25.08 $25.08
Apples (1kg)
$4.67 $4.67
$3.22 $3.22
$6.40 $6.40
Banana (1kg)
$1.57 $1.57
$1.05 $1.05
$4.30 $4.30
Oranges (1kg)
$5.14 $5.14
$2.69 $2.69
$10.85 $10.85
Tomato (1kg)
$4.21 $4.21
$2.22 $2.22
$6.66 $6.66
Potato (1kg)
$3.39 $3.39
$1.07 $1.07
$8.07 $8.07
Onion (1kg)
$2.53 $2.53
$1.31 $1.31
$4.62 $4.62
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.84 $1.84
$0.99 $0.99
$2.96 $2.96
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.84 $0.84
$0.51 $0.51
$4.26 $4.26
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$8.85 $8.85
$8.16 $8.16
$10.81 $10.81
Wine (Bottle)
$12.23 $12.23
$9.17 $9.17
$25.48 $25.48
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.85 $1.85
$1.16 $1.16
$2.91 $2.91
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.64 $1.64
$1.22 $1.22
$1.95 $1.95
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$4.02 $4.02
$2.01 $2.01
$5.03 $5.03
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$50.3 $50.3
$50.3 $50.3
$201 $201
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.76 $2.76
$2.51 $2.51
$6.77 $6.77
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.57 $1.57
$1.13 $1.13
$3.46 $3.46
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$33.70 $33.70
$33.70 $33.70
$33.70 $33.70
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.94 $0.94
$0.74 $0.74
$1.18 $1.18
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.0K $24.0K
$23.3K $23.3K
$36.7K $36.7K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.0K $25.0K
$22.8K $22.8K
$31.7K $31.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$143 $143
$109 $109
$347 $347
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$48.04 $48.04
$25.28 $25.28
$75.9 $75.9
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$66.0 $66.0
$50.5 $50.5
$101 $101
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$44.74 $44.74
$19.89 $19.89
$64.6 $64.6
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.30 $15.30
$4.99 $4.99
$20.96 $20.96
Cinema Ticket
$15.25 $15.25
$12.71 $12.71
$21.36 $21.36
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$438 $438
$438 $438
$1,094 $1,094
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$38.30 $38.30
$19.93 $19.93
$88.7 $88.7
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$28.87 $28.87
$15.29 $15.29
$61.2 $61.2
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$88.8 $88.8
$44.88 $44.88
$170 $170
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$80.8 $80.8
$50.5 $50.5
$212 $212
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$790 $790
$605 $605
$1,815 $1,815
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$853 $853
$652 $652
$1,204 $1,204
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,302 $1,302
$1,106 $1,106
$3,520 $3,520
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,467 $1,467
$978 $978
$2,371 $2,371
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,292 $1,292
$1,092 $1,092
$1,416 $1,416
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,342 $1,342
$1,314 $1,314
$1,399 $1,399
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,554 $3,554
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.24
6
7.58

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: October 12, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Topeka, KS $1,922
Accommodation & Living
$853
Groceries & Markets
$319
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$257
Eating Out
$234
Clothing & Footwear
$107
Getting Around
$77
Sport & Entertainment
$75

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $790 for a central one-bedroom, or $853 outside the center. At 22% of the average salary ($3,554), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,554, while typical expenses reach $1,922. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $319 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $52.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $50.3 per month.

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is cheaper than 96% of cities in North America

Milk is cheaper than 92% of cities in North America

Cappuccino is cheaper than 90% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
04:52 4:52 AM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
124,331
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 19, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

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Topeka, KS Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Mbps
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Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Topeka, KS - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Topeka compare on affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
That translates to a favorable Cost of Living in Topeka, KS, United States for many travelers, expats, and digital nomads who value stability over flashy city life. Compared with coastal or large metro areas, housing options tend to be more affordable, with a range of studios to family homes in walkable, midtown, and riverfront districts. Dining and groceries follow regional patterns, with plenty of casual restaurants and farmers markets. Transit is practical, and bikes or car-sharing can fill gaps. Seasonality can influence heating costs in winter but not dramatically. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods with easy access to services and workspace.
What does daily life look like in Topeka for housing, food, transport, and coworking?
Daily life in Topeka is straightforward and approachable for various budgets. Housing options range from charming downtown apartments to larger family homes in nearby suburbs, often at relative value compared with bigger metros. Food options include casual diners, farmers markets, and ethnic groceries that help stretch a budget. Transit is practical, with a reliable bus network; cycling and rideshares fill gaps. For work setups, coworking spaces and cafes with steady Wi‑Fi are common. Topeka, KS, United States living cost can guide your search as you compare listings. Tip: Start with a short-term stay near transit to test neighborhoods before committing.
What quality of life aspects and budgeting frameworks help sustain a good fit in Topeka, including seasonality and neighborhood matching?
Quality of life in Topeka balances a slower pace with access to culture, outdoors, and practical services. A simple budgeting framework helps keep finances stable: separate housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and personal care, then earmark a reasonable amount for discretionary spending. Neighborhood fit matters: central districts offer walkability and events, while suburbs add space and quiet. Save by cooking at home, using farmers markets, and taking advantage of free public amenities like parks and libraries. Seasonality shows up in heating costs in winter and cooling in summer, so adjust plans for fluctuating utility needs. Tip: Revisit your priorities every few months to stay aligned with work and travel rhythms.
How expensive is daily life in Topeka, KS?
Everyday life in Topeka, KS is moderately priced at about $1,922 per month, rent included. Groceries and transport stay reasonable, though dining out and entertainment can feel a bit pricier than in budget destinations.
How much of a salary does housing take in Topeka, KS?
With 22% of the average paycheck going to rent, Topeka, KS is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
Is the average income in Topeka, KS enough to cover living costs and save?
At $3,554 take-home, most residents in Topeka, KS can cover the $1,922 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,883 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
How much should I budget for housing in Topeka, KS?
Where you live in Topeka, KS makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $790; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $853. Overall, the market runs from $853 to $790 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Topeka, KS?
A monthly transit pass in Topeka, KS goes for roughly $50.3, which is one of the lighter items on a monthly budget. Coverage across residential and business areas is solid, and most residents without a car rely on it daily.
What are kindergarten prices in Topeka, KS?
Childcare averages $438 monthly at a private kindergarten in Topeka, KS. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
Is $2,500 a month enough for Topeka, KS?
Living on $2,500 in Topeka, KS means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,922. It works with a cheap apartment and disciplined spending, but expect trade-offs on where you live, how often you eat out, and entertainment.
What is quality of life like in Topeka, KS?
Living in Topeka, KS means access to fast internet, clean air, retirement-friendly amenities at about $1,922 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Is it possible to save on a local salary in Topeka, KS?
Monthly expenses in Topeka, KS run around $1,922, so putting money aside takes more than $2,883 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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