City vs city
Abilene, TX vs Topeka, KS
- Rent is 18% lower in Topeka (median $979/mo vs $1,157/mo in Abilene).
- Homes cost 27% less in Topeka ($144k vs $184k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $104 more a month after taxes and rent in Abilene.
- Abilene has no state income tax on wages; Topeka does.
- Schools rate higher in Abilene (4/10 vs 2.3/10).
- Abilene has less violent crime (4.6 vs 8.8 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Abilene has milder winters (46°F vs 30°F average).
| Abilene | Topeka | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,157/mo | $979/mo |
| Median home value | $184k | $144k |
| Median household income | $63k | $57k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,976 | $3,872 |
| State income tax on wages | None | Yes |
| School rating | 4/10 | 2.3/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.3× the US rate | 2.4× the US rate |
| Summer average | 96°F | 90°F |
| Winter average | 46°F | 30°F |
| Sunny days a year | 216 | 221 |
| Walk score | 35 | 38 |
| Population | 128,053 | 125,786 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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