Salary & Cost of Living in Topeka, KS
Topeka, KS: $50,500 median salary, cost of living index 84, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,500
$24/hr
Cost of Living
84
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.5%
rate
Topeka, KS Overview
Population
127,265
Median Salary
$50,500
Average Salary
$56,000
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$145,000
Median Rent
$850/mo
Job Growth
+1%
Sales Tax
8.95%
Topeka is located in Kansas with a population of 127,265. The median household salary is $50,500 per year ($24/hour), which is $8,884 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1%.
Topeka Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Topeka, KS, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,242
$3,353.48/month · $1,547.76/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.3%
Gross Pay
$50,500
Federal Tax
-$4,022
State Tax
-$2,374
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,863
Net Pay
$40,242
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,208.33 | $50,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$335.13 | -$4,021.50 |
| Kansas State Tax (4.7%) | -$197.79 | -$2,373.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$260.92 | -$3,131.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$61.02 | -$732.25 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,353.48 | $40,241.75 |
Salary Comparison: Topeka vs Other Cities
See how Topeka's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS | $50,500 | 84 | $60,119 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Hartford, CT | $50,500 | 108 | $46,759 |
| Gainesville, FL | $50,500 | 94 | $53,723 |
| Tucson, AZ | $50,200 | 96 | $52,292 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Topeka
Topeka's cost of living index is 84 (national average = 100). Living in Topeka is 16% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$145,000
Median Monthly Rent
$850
Annual Rent Cost
$10,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,242 annual take-home pay in Topeka has the purchasing power of approximately $47,907 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,500 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Topeka
Topeka's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,500.
Salary Tips for Topeka Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Topeka has a cost of living 16% below the national average. A salary of $50,500 here has the purchasing power of about $60,119 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Topeka's top industries include Government, Healthcare, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,500 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Topeka, KS?
The median salary in Topeka, KS is $50,500 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,000. This is $8,884 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS?
Topeka's cost of living index is 84 (national average = 100), meaning it is 16% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $145,000 and the median monthly rent is $850.
What are the best industries in Topeka?
The top industries in Topeka, KS include Government, Healthcare, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 1% and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,500.
How does Topeka's salary compare to other cities?
Topeka's median salary of $50,500 is 15.0% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 84), the real purchasing power is approximately $60,119.
What is the minimum wage in Topeka, KS?
The minimum wage in Topeka, KS is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.