Performance
Score Breakdown
Topeka
Owasso
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Topeka is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
9% lower compared to Owasso.
Housing costs are a major driver: Topeka's average rent is
26% lower than Owasso's.
| Metric | Topeka | Owasso | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $1,214 | -26% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $245 | $200 | +23% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $1,965 | $2,164 | -9% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 52% higher 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 Topeka is estimated at
$55,000 vs $48,560 in Owasso.
| Metric | Topeka | Owasso |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,547 | $41,807 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $48,560 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,892 idx | 44,476 idx |
| Household Income | $69,888 | $79,036 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Topeka | Owasso |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Topeka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Owasso.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Topeka leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Topeka | Owasso |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 37.0/10 | 28.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 2.8x the population of Owasso.
From a growth perspective, Owasso 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 | Topeka | Owasso |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,607 | 44,211 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.54% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Owasso
Advantages
Owasso consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Oklahoma, with low violent and property crime rates.
The city offers a high quality of life with a livability score of 78/100 and a strong sense of community.
Owasso's cost of living is approximately 6% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
The local economy is growing, with a job growth rate of 3.3% in 2024, outperforming state and metro averages.
Owasso boasts highly-rated public schools, making it an attractive location for families.
Drawbacks
The city is highly car-dependent, with a low walkability score of 28 and limited public transportation options.
Rapid growth has led to some traffic congestion and construction challenges that are not yet fully accommodated.
Some residents express a desire for more diversity within the community.
Specific data on new business growth rates is not readily available.
Detailed cost breakdowns for utilities, food, and healthcare services are not consistently available for Owasso specifically.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Topeka
#65Kansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
37.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
Owasso
#5Oklahoma, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,214
Avg Salary
$41,807
Cost Index
94
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
28.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.54%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
78
Business
73
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