CostIndexUSA

Indianapolis, IN vs Topeka, KS Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

IN
Indianapolis
95.7
overall index
$1,500/mo rent
More AffordableKS
Topeka
88.8
overall index
$1,125/mo rent

Topeka is moderately cheaper than Indianapolis — 7.2% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Indianapolis, you would need $74,200 in Topeka. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing26.9%
Indianapolis
88.9
Topeka
65
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Indianapolis
94.3
Topeka
94
🚗 Transportation5.4%
Indianapolis
104.1
Topeka
98.5
🏥 Healthcare5.4%
Indianapolis
94.2
Topeka
89.1
Utilities+2.9%
Indianapolis
86.4
Topeka
88.9

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Indianapolis to see what you'd need to earn in Topeka to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Topeka, KS
$74,200
$5,800 less needed in Topeka

Formula: salary × (88.8 ÷ 95.7) = salary × 0.9279. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Indianapolis, IN

Median Home Price
$283,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,500
Housing Index
88.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.7×

Topeka, KS

Median Home Price
$204,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,125
Housing Index
65
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.1×

Indianapolis has 26.9% lower housing costs compared to Topeka.

Income & Job Market

Indianapolis, IN

Median Household Income
$77,900
Per Capita Income
$44,400
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Population
887,642
Top Industries
HealthcareManufacturingFinanceLogisticsSports

Topeka, KS

Median Household Income
$65,300
Per Capita Income
$37,200
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
Population
125,310
Top Industries
GovernmentHealthcareManufacturingFinanceRetail

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Indianapolis, IN
4.3×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

Topeka, KS
4.8×income-to-rent ratio

79% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.