City Comparison
Manhattan vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Manhattan scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Manhattan
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
3% lower than in Manhattan.
Housing costs are a major driver: Manhattan's average rent is
22% higher than Topeka's.
| Metric | Manhattan | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $900 | +22% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $245 | -27% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,020 | $1,965 | +3% |
| Cost Index | 95 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 9% 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 Manhattan is estimated at
$50,000 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Manhattan | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,053 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $62,500 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Manhattan runs warmer on average — a 56.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Manhattan comes out ahead with 286 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Manhattan sees 15.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Manhattan | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 15.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 286 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Manhattan leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Manhattan | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 35.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Manhattan.
From a growth perspective, Manhattan is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Manhattan has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Manhattan | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 54,100 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | — |
| Median Age | 26.5 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Manhattan
Advantages
Cost of living sits approximately 5% below the national average per recent cost-of-living indices.
Exceptional public safety ratings with crime rates well below state and national medians.
Proximity to Tuttle Creek Lake offers vast outdoor recreation, boating, and hiking opportunities.
Vibrant arts, cultural events, and Division I Big 12 collegiate athletics anchored by K-State.
High educational attainment levels and strong local public school performance.
Drawbacks
Rental market can experience tight inventories and higher prices near the university campus.
Local economy is heavily reliant on the university and military base, creating vulnerability to state/federal budget shifts.
Limited commercial flight options out of Manhattan Regional Airport require driving to Kansas City for major travel.
Humid continental climate brings notably cold winter extremes and occasional severe spring weather.
Public transit options are somewhat limited outside of core fixed-route bus services.
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.
Manhattan
#170Kansas, USA
64.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
286/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
77
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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