City Comparison
Hutchinson vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Hutchinson scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Hutchinson
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Hutchinson is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Topeka.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $900 | -6% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $245 | -29% |
| Transport | $310 | $120 | +158% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $1,945 | $1,965 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 20% 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 Hutchinson is estimated at
$42,000 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,000 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,195 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Hutchinson runs warmer on average — a 57.5°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Hutchinson comes out ahead with 279 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Hutchinson sees 13.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.50°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.50°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 22.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 33.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 13.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 279 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Hutchinson leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Hutchinson.
From a growth perspective, Hutchinson is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Hutchinson has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Hutchinson | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,000 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hutchinson
Advantages
Median home prices in Hutchinson are significantly lower than the national average per U.S. Census data.
Average commute times under 17 minutes provide superior daily quality of life.
Home to world-class educational and cultural assets including the Cosmosphere and Strataca.
Abundant outdoor recreational spaces, including the expansive Carey Park and local trail systems.
Strong local healthcare infrastructure anchored by the Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options necessitate high car dependency for daily errands.
Hot summer temperatures and cold winter winds require higher seasonal utility management.
Slower job growth rates in certain traditional sectors compared to major Kansas metropolitan hubs.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options for young adults seeking a fast-paced urban scene.
Vulnerability to severe weather typical of central Kansas, including occasional high winds and storms.
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.
Hutchinson
#189Kansas, USA
64.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$51,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
279/yr
Avg Temp
57.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
73
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
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