Comparing Topekan's spending to the nation
TOPEKA (KSNT) - The latest Topeka Area Economic Summary published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that Topekans pay $700 more on healthcare than the rest of the United States.
According to the report published July 8, the average American allocated 33% of their wages to housing, 17% to transportation, 17% to all other items, 13% to food, 12% to personal insurance and 8% to healthcare.
Compared to the rest of the nation, Topekans spent $3,097 less on annual expenses over the same timeframe. The segments Topekans saved the most from were housing, transportation, food and all other items.
Of the segments analyzed, Topekans spent more on healthcare and personal insurance. The survey found that Topekans spend over $700 more than the nation for healthcare and $70 more for personal insurance and pensions.
| Segment | Topeka | Percent of Spending (Kansas) | Nationwide | Percent of Spending (Nation) | Difference |
| All other items | $11,843 | 17% | $12,439 | 17% | -$596 |
| Personal Insurance & Pensions | $8,812 | 13% | $8,742 | 12% | $70 |
| Healthcare | $6,569 | 9% | $5,850 | 8% | $719 |
| Food | $8,827 | 13% | $9,343 | 13% | -$516 |
| Transportation | $11,912 | 17% | $12,295 | 17% | -$383 |
| Housing | $21,907 | 31% | $24,298 | 33% | -$2,391 |
| $69,870 | $72,967 | -$3,097 |
The BLS used the latest data provided for regions and the nation including unemployment, employment, wages, prices, spending and benefits, from 2022 to build its Topeka Area Economic Survey. To read the full report, click here.
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