City Comparison
Junction City vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Junction City scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Junction City
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Junction City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Topeka.
| Metric | Junction City | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $900 | +6% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $245 | -31% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,830 | $1,965 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 15% 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 Junction City is estimated at
$45,000 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Junction City | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,364 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Junction City runs warmer on average — a 57°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Junction City comes out ahead with 285 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Junction City sees 14.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Junction City | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 27.90 in | in |
| Snowfall | 14.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 285 | |
| 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, Junction City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Junction City | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 40.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Junction City.
From a growth perspective, Junction City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Topeka has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Junction City | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,932 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | — |
| Median Age | 31.0 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Junction City
Advantages
Median home prices in Junction City are significantly below the national average per U.S. Census Bureau data.
Proximity to Milford Lake provides exceptional outdoor recreation, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Strong local economy supported by stable employment tied to nearby Fort Riley.
Short average commute times enhance daily convenience and work-life balance.
Low cost of living index compared to national benchmarks.
Drawbacks
High reliance on personal vehicles due to limited public transit infrastructure.
Property crime rates slightly exceed national median figures in certain areas per FBI crime data.
Limited high-end entertainment and nightlife options within city limits.
Weather extremes including cold winters and severe storm potential during spring.
Rental market fluctuations influenced by military deployment cycles at Fort Riley.
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.
Junction City
#409Kansas, USA
58.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
40.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
285/yr
Avg Temp
57.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
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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