City Comparison
Leavenworth vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Leavenworth scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Leavenworth
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Leavenworth.
Housing costs are a major driver: Leavenworth's average rent is
28% higher than Topeka's.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $900 | +28% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $165 | $245 | -33% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $2,025 | $1,965 | +3% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 2% lower 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 Leavenworth is estimated at
$50,000 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $68,000 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Leavenworth runs warmer on average — a 56.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Leavenworth comes out ahead with 267 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Leavenworth sees 17.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 21.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 44.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 267 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Topeka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Leavenworth.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Leavenworth leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Leavenworth.
From a growth perspective, Leavenworth is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Leavenworth has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Leavenworth | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 38,500 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | — |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Leavenworth
Advantages
Fort Leavenworth provides robust local economic stability and high-paying federal and civilian jobs.
Housing costs remain significantly more affordable than the nearby Kansas City metropolitan average.
Rich historic downtown district featuring local shops, dining, and well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Abundant outdoor recreation options along the Missouri River and local municipal parks.
Strong sense of community with a welcoming, patriotic environment for military families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Limited public transit options make owning a personal vehicle essentially mandatory for daily life.
Local property tax rates can be relatively high compared to some surrounding Kansas counties.
Winter weather brings freezing temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall requiring careful road maintenance.
Nightlife and entertainment options are somewhat modest, requiring trips into Kansas City for major events.
Retail and dining variety is more restricted compared to larger neighboring urban centers.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Leavenworth
#273Kansas, USA
61.8 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
267/yr
Avg Temp
56.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
Topeka
#538Kansas, USA
49.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/100
Walkability
37.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Leavenworth and Topeka.
Open Cost Calculator