Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-04-01

Topeka, Kansas

In Topeka, Kansas, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.32 as of 2026-04-01 — $0.75 below the national average of $4.06. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $1,160, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 5.27% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Topeka's cost-of-living index of 82 puts it below the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.32

National: $4.06

203.1%since 2000
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$1,160

National: $1,900

44.8%since 2000
Zillow ZORI Metro (2026-02)

Grocery Inflation

5.27%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$11.00

Combo meal

3.1%YoY

Electricity

14.29¢

per kWh · ~$129/mo

17.8%vs US avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$173/mo

$2,080/yr

3.3%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

Median Household Income

$66,043

30.3% goes to essentials

30.3%cost burden
Census ACS 2023
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Car Insurance

Avg $2,080 in Topeka. Compare rates:

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Avg rent $1,160/mo in Topeka. Browse listings:

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Prices — 2000 to Present

National BLS averages · submit local prices below ↓

Eggs (dozen)

Bird flu volatility

$2.58 BLS avg

+156.4%

Milk (gallon)

$4.10 BLS avg

+44.6%

Ground Beef (lb)

$6.75 BLS avg

+354.4%

Bread (loaf)

$1.84 BLS avg

+104.0%

Chicken Breast (lb)

$2.04 BLS avg

+93.5%

Butter (lb)

$4.70 BLS avg

+27.0%

Bacon (lb)

$6.96 BLS avg

+19.0%

Cheddar Cheese (lb)

$6.26 BLS avg

+17.7%

Pasta (lb)

$1.89 BLS avg

+36.0%

Rice (5 lb)

$4.71 BLS avg

+28.3%

Coffee (12 oz)

$11.15 BLS avg

+42.9%

Orange Juice (64 oz)

Citrus shortage

$4.95 BLS avg

+44.7%

Potatoes (5 lb)

$4.21 BLS avg

+16.9%

Apples (3 lb)

$4.78 BLS avg

+15.7%

Tomatoes (lb)

$2.67 BLS avg

+34.8%

Lettuce (head)

$2.10 BLS avg

+32.1%

Cooking Oil (48 oz)

$7.16 BLS avg

+46.1%

Yogurt (32 oz)

$4.82 BLS avg

+23.9%

Cereal (family size)

$5.73 BLS avg

+31.4%

Frozen Pizza

$8.14 BLS avg

+44.3%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$11.00

Casual Dining

$17.25

Monthly Spend

$306.94

+3.13% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $5.52

$8.91

+61.4%

Wendy's

2022: $6.24

$9.62

+54.2%

Chipotle

2022: $6.68

$9.98

+49.4%

Starbucks

2022: $3.15

$4.37

+38.7%

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Looking for an Apartment in Topeka?

Average 1BR: $951/mo · 2BR: $1,369/mo

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Local Workforce

2024 · BLS QCEW

Total Jobs

99k

Median Weekly Pay

$1,156

$60k/yr

Top Sector

Education & Health Services

Household vs Worker Pay

$66k

household median

Employment by Sector — Topeka

% of local workforce · avg weekly wage · 5-year growth trend

Education & Health Services
+5.8% 5yr$1,205/wk
18.6%

~$63k/yr

Trade, Transportation & Utilities
+7.5% 5yr$996/wk
15.4%

~$52k/yr

Professional & Business Services
+1.1% 5yr$1,295/wk
12.7%

~$67k/yr

Construction
+14.4% 5yr$1,361/wk
8.3%

~$71k/yr

Leisure & Hospitality
+1.1% 5yr$412/wk
8.1%

~$21k/yr

Source: BLS QCEW 2024 Annual · County FIPS 20177

Highest Paying Sector

Financial Activities

$1,760/wk · $92k/yr

Most Workers (lowest wage)

Leisure & Hospitality

$412/wk · $21k/yr

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