Area Cost of Living Index

WIBW-TV 13 reported recently that my adopted home town is a bargain to live in, when compared to 293 other urban areas across the country.

Topeka, Kansas earned a ranking of 90 in the survey. A ranking of 100 is considered average.

According to a news release from the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, the composite index is based on six components—housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services.

Topeka ranked lowest at 81.5 in housing, indicating the Topeka housing market is a good bargain for buyers coming into the market area according to Marsha Sheahan, vice president public relations, for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce which conducts the local survey twice annually.

A sampling of Midwest Cities

• Chicago, IL 111.7
• Denver, CO 102.3
• Columbus, OH 98.0
• Manhattan, KS 96.0
• Kansas City, MO-KS Metro 95.1
• Little Rock, AR 94.8
• Austin, TX 93.4
• Lawrence, KS 91.4
• Oklahoma City, OK 91.1
• Des Moines, IA 90.5
• Wichita, KS 90.4
• Topeka, KS 90.4
• Springfield, MO 89.5
• Omaha, NE 89.0
• Houston, TX 88.2

Topeka ranked 89.0 in grocery items, 81.5 in housing, 93.3 in utilities, 91.4 in transportation, 93.4 in health care, and 96.5 in miscellaneous goods and services.

"Our cost of living is attractive when compared to communities on the east and west coasts, as well as cities in the Midwest," says Marsha Sheahan, Chamber vice president public relations. "We are pleased to see Topeka/Shawnee County getting recognition as a great place to live and work that is cost-pleasing to the family budget.We're pleased this study confirms our belief that Topeka offers a quality living experience at a below average cost."

In comparison, New York (Manhattan) NY ranked 213.7, New York (Queens) 145.2, Los Angeles 145.2, San Francisco 172.1 and Honolulu 165.3.