Cost of Living in Topeka, KS - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

Living costs for one person come to about $1,919 monthly including rent, or $1,040 excluding housing.

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $3,043 with rent, or $1,473 without housing.

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $4,167 including rent, or $1,906 for daily expenses alone.

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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.29 $13.29
$11.82 $11.82
$24.62 $24.62
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$53.6 $53.6
$44.70 $44.70
$129 $129
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$9.80 $9.80
$8.82 $8.82
$12.74 $12.74
Cappuccino
$3.58 $3.58
$3.58 $3.58
$6.13 $6.13
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.22 $2.22
$1.54 $1.54
$3.60 $3.60
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.57 $1.57
$1.01 $1.01
$2.03 $2.03
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$5.11 $5.11
$4.09 $4.09
$6.64 $6.64
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.91 $5.91
$3.94 $3.94
$9.86 $9.86
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$0.84 $0.84
$0.47 $0.47
$1.37 $1.37
White Bread (500g)
$3.11 $3.11
$1.64 $1.64
$5.47 $5.47
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.19 $2.19
$2.13 $2.13
$9.00 $9.00
Eggs
$4.44 $4.44
$3.05 $3.05
$6.09 $6.09
Local Cheese (1kg)
$8.77 $8.77
$6.56 $6.56
$17.56 $17.56
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.83 $10.83
$6.55 $6.55
$16.74 $16.74
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$12.78 $12.78
$6.14 $6.14
$17.54 $17.54
Apples (1kg)
$5.44 $5.44
$2.18 $2.18
$10.90 $10.90
Banana (1kg)
$1.95 $1.95
$1.06 $1.06
$4.34 $4.34
Oranges (1kg)
$4.67 $4.67
$2.70 $2.70
$10.91 $10.91
Tomato (1kg)
$4.28 $4.28
$2.25 $2.25
$6.76 $6.76
Potato (1kg)
$3.75 $3.75
$1.11 $1.11
$8.32 $8.32
Onion (1kg)
$2.47 $2.47
$1.31 $1.31
$4.37 $4.37
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.81 $1.81
$0.98 $0.98
$2.56 $2.56
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.02 $1.02
$1.02 $1.02
$3.06 $3.06
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$9.17 $9.17
$8.46 $8.46
$11.20 $11.20
Wine (Bottle)
$11.85 $11.85
$8.89 $8.89
$24.69 $24.69
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.76 $1.76
$1.13 $1.13
$2.84 $2.84
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.66 $1.66
$1.23 $1.23
$3.92 $3.92
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$4.63 $4.63
$4.12 $4.12
$5.15 $5.15
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$50.6 $50.6
$50.6 $50.6
$202 $202
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.80 $2.80
$2.54 $2.54
$8.13 $8.13
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$1.35 $1.35
$1.35 $1.35
$3.06 $3.06
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$32.88 $32.88
$32.88 $32.88
$32.88 $32.88
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.76 $0.76
$0.72 $0.72
$0.92 $0.92
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$24.0K $24.0K
$23.3K $23.3K
$40.1K $40.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.8K $24.8K
$23.0K $23.0K
$32.0K $32.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$113 $113
$50.8 $50.8
$356 $356
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$48.84 $48.84
$24.58 $24.58
$73.8 $73.8
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$64.1 $64.1
$46.94 $46.94
$99.9 $99.9
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$58.0 $58.0
$50.4 $50.4
$65.6 $65.6
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$15.45 $15.45
$5.04 $5.04
$21.16 $21.16
Cinema Ticket
$12.31 $12.31
$5.91 $5.91
$20.69 $20.69
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$441 $441
$441 $441
$1,585 $1,585
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$23.9K $23.9K
$17.1K $17.1K
$27.7K $27.7K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.10 $22.10
$19.65 $19.65
$87.4 $87.4
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.67 $19.67
$14.76 $14.76
$49.20 $49.20
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$72.2 $72.2
$45.31 $45.31
$136 $136
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$79.8 $79.8
$49.89 $49.89
$210 $210
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$753 $753
$589 $589
$1,766 $1,766
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$870 $870
$659 $659
$1,217 $1,217
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,856 $1,856
$1,089 $1,089
$3,464 $3,464
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,763 $1,763
$1,381 $1,381
$2,367 $2,367
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$1,353 $1,353
$1,324 $1,324
$1,410 $1,410
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,337 $1,337
$1,309 $1,309
$1,394 $1,394
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,458 $3,458
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.11
5
6.8

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

Last update: April 13, 2026

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $753 for a central one-bedroom, or $870 outside the center. At around 22% of the average salary ($3,458), rent noticeably above the typical 30% rent-to-income guideline.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,458, while typical expenses reach $1,919. This leaves solid room for saving and lifestyle spending.

Expect to spend about $335 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $54 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $51 per month.

Cost Highlights

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

Gasoline is cheaper than 94% of cities in North America

Topeka, KS Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
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 $1,919 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 $3,458 take-home, most residents in Topeka, KS can cover the $1,919 monthly cost of living. Those earning $2,879 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 $753; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $870. Overall, the market runs from $870 to $753 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
What does commuting cost in Topeka, KS?
A monthly transit pass in Topeka, KS goes for roughly $50.6, 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 $441 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 $1,200 a month enough for Topeka, KS?
Living on $1,200 in Topeka, KS means careful planning, since monthly costs average $1,919. 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 $1,919 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 $1,919, so putting money aside takes more than $2,879 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.

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