Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Boston is 203% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,093/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 55%
$94,755/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 41%
$710,400 ↑ 444%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 82%
$2,176/mo ↑ 134%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 57%
663,972
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,146/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $13,752/year.

Median household income is $38,853/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Topeka — common questions

Is Boston or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Topeka?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,146/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Topeka?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $38,853/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Kansas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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