City Comparison
Shawnee vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shawnee scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Shawnee
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
18% lower than in Shawnee.
Housing costs are a major driver: Shawnee's average rent is
61% higher than Topeka's.
| Metric | Shawnee | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $900 | +61% |
| Groceries | $420 | $450 | -7% |
| Utilities | $175 | $245 | -29% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,400 | $1,965 | +22% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Shawnee offers 23% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Shawnee delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Shawnee is estimated at
$58,000 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Shawnee | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $78,000 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 79,592 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $95,400 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Shawnee runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Shawnee comes out ahead with 266 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Shawnee sees 17.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Shawnee | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.30°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 42.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 17.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 266 | |
| 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 Shawnee.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Shawnee leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Shawnee | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Shawnee.
From a growth perspective, Shawnee is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shawnee has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Shawnee | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 67,311 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | — |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Shawnee
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Kansas with crime rates well below the national average
Access to top-rated public school districts within Johnson County
Expansive green spaces anchored by Shawnee Mission Park, offering diverse outdoor recreation
Strong local economy and strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Active historic downtown area featuring local dining, shopping, and community events
Drawbacks
High demand has driven up housing and property values, impacting affordability
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options
Rising property tax rates across Johnson County affecting homeowners
Cold winter conditions with potential for snow and ice accumulations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to central Kansas City
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.
Shawnee
#32Kansas, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
74
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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