Travel Nurse Pay in Topeka, Kansas: 2026 Cost of Living & GSA Rates
Economic analysis: GSA housing caps, average rent, and profitability verdict for travel nurses in Topeka.
Last updated: February 21, 2026
Economics Verdict
Profitable: Topeka Travel Nursing
GSA Housing Cap (Weekly)
$686/wk
≈ $2,970.38/mo
Avg Rent (1BR)
$1,000/mo
Margin
+$1,970.38/mo
Stipend covers rent
Travel Nurse Pay Breakdown
Estimate your take-home pay, taxes, and blended rate in seconds.
Same state assignment. You'll pay 5.7% state tax plus 24% federal tax.
Overtime (Optional)
Blended Hourly Rate
$58.89
Based on 36 hours in KS.
Gross Weekly Pay
$2,120
Taxable Weekly Income
$720
Estimated Weekly Taxes
$214
True Net Weekly Pay
$1,906
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Assignment Projections
13-Week Assignment
$24,780
Net Pay
26-Week Assignment
$49,560
Net Pay
Annual (52 weeks)
$99,120
Net Pay
Take Home vs Taxes
Take Home
$1,906
per week
Taxes
$214
per week
Total Gross: $2,120 per week
🏠 Housing Stipend Analysis
Your Weekly Housing Stipend
$1,000
≈ $4,330/month
Est. 1BR Rent in Kansas
$850
Monthly average
✅ Potential Tax-Free Pocket Money
+$3,480
Your stipend covers rent with $3,480 left over each month.
Find apartments under $850/month in Wichita:
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Cost of Living Analysis in Kansas
After rent, this is what you'll have left each month for other expenses
National average = 100. Kansas's cost of living is lower than the national average by 13.5 points.
💡 Lower cost of living area. Your pay may go further here than in expensive cities.
Housing Cost: Low
Utilities: Low
Rent data based on 2025 market averages. Actual rent may vary by neighborhood and housing type.
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Travel Nurse Pay in Topeka
Average Hourly Rate
$41/hr
Average Weekly Pay
$1,640
GSA Lodging Rate
$98/night
GSA Meal Rate
$59/day
Cost of Living in Topeka
Cost of Living Index
95 (Below National Average)
Studio
$800/mo
1 Bedroom
$1000/mo
2 Bedroom
$1300/mo
Top Hospitals in Topeka
- 🏥 Topeka Regional Medical
- 🏥 Topeka General Hospital
- 🏥 Community Health Topeka
In-Demand Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do travel nurses make in Topeka, Kansas?
Travel nurses in Topeka typically earn between $36 and $51 per hour in taxable wages, with an average of $41/hr. When including tax-free stipends, the blended hourly rate ranges from $45-60 per hour.
What are the GSA rates for Topeka, Kansas?
The GSA per diem rates for Topeka are: Lodging: $98/night, Meals: $59/day, and Incidentals: $5/day. These rates determine the maximum tax-free stipend amounts travel nurses can receive. For official rates, visit [GSA.gov](https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates).
What is the cost of living in Topeka?
The cost of living index in Topeka is 95, which is below the national average. Average rent ranges from $800 for a studio to $1300 for a two-bedroom apartment.
What hospitals hire travel nurses in Topeka?
Top hospitals in Topeka that frequently hire travel nurses include Topeka Regional Medical, Topeka General Hospital, Community Health Topeka, and others. These facilities offer competitive pay rates and excellent working conditions for travel nurses.
What specialties are in demand in Topeka?
The most in-demand specialties for travel nurses in Topeka include Med-Surg, ER, ICU. These specialties typically offer higher pay rates and more contract opportunities.
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