Burlington vs Topeka
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Burlington
Topeka
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 42.2%, with Topeka being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Burlington has equivalent purchasing power to $52,754 in Topeka.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Burlington has the same purchasing power as $52,754 in Topeka.
Conversely, $75,000 in Topeka equals $106,627 in Burlington.
Living in Burlington vs Topeka
Housing Costs
Burlington's housing index of 139 is higher Topeka's 55, translating to median home prices of $380,000 vs $175,000. The $205,000 difference in home prices means roughly $13,320 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,800/mo in Burlington compared to $900/mo in Topeka, a monthly difference of $900.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 108 in Burlington and 98 in Topeka. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $513/month in Burlington vs $466/month in Topeka. Topeka offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $564/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 115 in Burlington and 97 in Topeka. Monthly utility bills average approximately $460 in Burlington vs $388 in Topeka. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 116 in Burlington and 96 in Topeka. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 20-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $51,098 in Burlington and $55,500 in Topeka. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $43,303 and $66,867 respectively. Topeka residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,192/month to housing in Burlington vs $1,295/month in Topeka. In Burlington, median rent of $1,800/mo exceeds this threshold, suggesting renters may feel stretched. In Topeka, median rent of $900/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 84 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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