Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Salem is 81% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,323/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 28%
$71,900/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 22%
$382,400 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 66%
$1,440/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 35%
176,666
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $376/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,512/year.

Median household income is $15,998/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Topeka — common questions

Is Salem or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Topeka?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $376/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Topeka?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $15,998/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Kansas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Topeka details →

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