City Comparison
Lenexa vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Lenexa scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lenexa
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
34% lower than in Lenexa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lenexa's average rent is
110% higher than Topeka's.
| Metric | Lenexa | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,890 | $900 | +110% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $300 | $245 | +22% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,960 | $1,965 | +51% |
| Cost Index | 111 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 8% 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 Lenexa is estimated at
$65,000 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Lenexa | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,657 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,844 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $103,239 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lenexa runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lenexa comes out ahead with 266 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lenexa sees 18 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lenexa | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 18.00 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | |
| Humidity | % | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Lenexa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lenexa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Lenexa | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Lenexa.
From a growth perspective, Lenexa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Lenexa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Lenexa | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,384 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.60% | — |
| Median Age | 37.2 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lenexa
Advantages
Low crime rates, with violent crimes significantly below the national average, contributing to a high safety score.
High livability score of 86 out of 100, attributed to excellent amenities, low crime, and convenient access to services.
Strong economy with a robust job market and a low unemployment rate, offering ample opportunities in various sectors.
Short average commute times, around 19.4 minutes, allowing residents more personal time.
High educational attainment, with nearly 97% of residents holding a high school diploma and nearly 57% a bachelor's degree or higher.
Drawbacks
Higher cost of housing compared to national and state averages, making homeownership a significant investment.
Car dependency is high, as public transit and walkability scores are moderate, indicating personal vehicles are the primary mode of transport.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan areas, which may be a drawback for some residents.
Weather can present challenges, with distinct seasons including warm, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snowfall.
Traffic congestion can occur, although the Kansas City metro area is noted for being relatively less congested compared to other large metros.
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.
Lenexa
#312Kansas, USA
60.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,890
Avg Salary
$58,657
Cost Index
111
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.60%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
86
Business
68
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
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