City Comparison
Salina vs Topeka
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Salina scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Salina
Topeka
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Salina is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
5% lower than in Topeka.
| Metric | Salina | Topeka | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $920 | $900 | +2% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $245 | -27% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,870 | $1,965 | -5% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 86 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Salina offers 3% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Salina delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Salina is estimated at
$36,792 vs $55,000 in Topeka.
| Metric | Salina | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,745 | $63,547 |
| Salary Needed | $36,792 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,177 idx | 73,892 idx |
| Household Income | $61,783 | $69,888 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Salina runs warmer on average — a 57.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Salina comes out ahead with 280 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Salina sees 16.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Salina | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 88.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 20.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 26.10 in | in |
| Snowfall | 16.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 280 | |
| Humidity | 65.00% | 69.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Salina leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Salina | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 43.0/100 |
| Walkability | 39.0/100 | 37.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Salina.
From a growth perspective, Salina is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Salina has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Salina | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 46,307 | 125,607 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 39.3 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Salina
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, with housing costs significantly below the national average.
Diverse and robust economy with key industries in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.
Shorter than average commute times, with an average of 14.8 minutes.
Strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere.
Regional healthcare and educational hub for North Central Kansas.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation and low walkability scores.
Crime rates, particularly violent crime, are higher than the national average.
Limited entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities.
Population has shown a declining trend in recent years.
Property crime rate remains above the Kansas average.
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.
Salina
#129Kansas, USA
66.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$920
Avg Salary
$65,745
Cost Index
82
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
39.0/100
Sunny Days
280/yr
Avg Temp
57.30°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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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