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

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Springfield is 36% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,114/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 15%
$51,339/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 9%
$222,700 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 41%
$1,276/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 27%
154,751
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

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $4,563/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Topeka — common questions

Is Springfield or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Topeka?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Topeka?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $4,563/year higher in Topeka.
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 Springfield or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Topeka details →

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