Performance
Score Breakdown
Topeka
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
18% lower compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Topeka's average rent is
36% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Topeka | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $1,412 | -36% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $245 | $281 | -13% |
| Transport | $120 | $126 | -5% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $135 | +85% |
| Monthly Total | $1,965 | $2,404 | -18% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 4% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Topeka delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Topeka is estimated at
$55,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Topeka | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,547 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,892 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $69,888 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Topeka | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Topeka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Topeka | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 37.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 41.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Topeka.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Topeka has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Topeka | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,607 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Topeka
Advantages
The cost of living in Topeka is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Topeka boasts short average commute times, reducing daily travel stress for residents.
The city offers a strong sense of community, often described as a 'biggest small town' feel.
There is a diverse range of housing options available, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Topeka provides ample parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation and an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Topeka has a high crime rate, particularly for violent and property crimes, exceeding national averages.
Public transportation options are minimal, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Topeka can be hot and humid, with extreme weather patterns.
Healthcare costs, specifically health insurance premiums, are higher than the national average.
The city's job growth rate is projected to be modest, potentially slower than national and regional averages.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Topeka
#69Kansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
37.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
Dallas
#1Texas, USA
85.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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