City Comparison
Derby vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Derby scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Derby
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Derby.
Housing costs are a major driver: Derby's average rent is
39% higher than Topeka's.
| Metric | Derby | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,250 | $900 | +39% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $245 | -31% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,145 | $1,965 | +9% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Derby offers 7% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Derby delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Derby is estimated at
$52,000 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Derby | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,913 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $82,500 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Derby runs warmer on average — a 58.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Derby comes out ahead with 273 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Derby sees 9.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Derby | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 58.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 23.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 273 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Topeka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Derby.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Derby leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Derby | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 42.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Derby.
From a growth perspective, Derby is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Derby has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Derby | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,625 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Derby
Advantages
Derby Public Schools (USD 260) consistently rank among the top-performing districts in the Wichita metropolitan area.
Violent and property crime rates are substantially lower than the national average, ensuring a secure environment for families.
Madison Avenue Central Park serves as a premier community hub featuring an amphitheater, walking paths, and splash pads.
Proximity to Wichita provides access to major metropolitan job markets and amenities while retaining a quiet suburban feel.
Active commercial growth at the Derby Marketplace has expanded local shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options are extremely limited, resulting in high reliance on personal automobiles.
Property tax rates in Sedgwick County can be relatively high compared to surrounding rural counties.
Summer temperatures can be quite hot and humid, requiring high seasonal utility usage for air conditioning.
The local economy is closely tied to Wichita's aerospace sector, making it somewhat vulnerable to regional industrial shifts.
Nightlife and entertainment options within city limits are more subdued compared to the nearby urban center.
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.
Derby
#52Kansas, USA
70.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
273/yr
Avg Temp
58.60°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
80
Business
70
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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