Topeka participates in the ACCRA Cost of Living Index study which measures differences between areas in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile.

The 2011 Annual Average ACCRA Data ranked Topeka 93.3 overall with the average for 314 urban areas participating being 100.

First Quarter 2012 data ranks Topeka at 92.3 with the average for 306 urban areas participating being 100.

The study is based on more than 60 items, for which prices are collected quarterly by the Chamber of Commerce or similar organization in each participating urban area. The composite index is based on six components--housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services. Small differences should not be interpreted as showing any measurable difference, according to ACCRA.

For the first quarter 2012, Topeka ranked 95.6 in grocery items, 87.4 in housing, 80.6 in utilities, 100.7 in transportation, 91.7 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. Our housing costs continue to be very affordable and we're pleased this study confirms our belief that Topeka offers a quality living experience at a below average cost."

Click here to compare our cost of living to other US cities.

ACCRA Cost of Living Index First Quarter 2012 Averages: A sampling of Midwest cities

The ACCRA Cost of Living Index provides a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences among urban areas. Items on which the index is based have been carefully chosen to reflect the different categories of consumer expenditures. Weights assigned to relative costs are based on governmental survey data on expenditure patterns for professional and executive households.

The second quarter 2012 average will be available by third quarter 2012; those results will be reported as they become available.