Irving vs Topeka
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Irving
Topeka
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 20.5%, with Topeka being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Irving has equivalent purchasing power to $62,250 in Topeka.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Irving has the same purchasing power as $62,250 in Topeka.
Conversely, $75,000 in Topeka equals $90,361 in Irving.
Living in Irving vs Topeka
Housing Costs
Irving's housing index of 94 is higher Topeka's 55, translating to median home prices of $318,000 vs $175,000. The $143,000 difference in home prices means roughly $9,300 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,350/mo in Irving compared to $900/mo in Topeka, a monthly difference of $450.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Irving and 98 in Topeka. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Irving vs $466/month in Topeka. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 111 in Irving and 97 in Topeka. Monthly utility bills average approximately $444 in Irving 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 103 in Irving and 96 in Topeka. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,400 in Irving and $55,500 in Topeka. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $73,400 and $66,867 respectively. Irving residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,713/month to housing in Irving vs $1,295/month in Topeka. In Irving, median rent of $1,350/mo fits within this budget. In Topeka, median rent of $900/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 39 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases