Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Rochester is 5% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,039/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 9%
$46,628/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 20%
$120,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$130,600 ↑ 8%
$1,009/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 8%
209,720
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $9,274/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Topeka — common questions

Is Rochester or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Topeka?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Topeka?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $9,274/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between New York and Kansas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Topeka

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks