Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Milwaukee is 16% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,033/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 8%
$51,888/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 8%
$172,000 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 24%
$1,082/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 14%
569,756
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $4,014/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Topeka — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Topeka?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Topeka?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,014/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Kansas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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.
View Milwaukee details → View Topeka details →

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