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

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Springfield and Topeka have a similar cost of living.

$920/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↑ 3%
$45,984/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↑ 22%
$165,200 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 21%
$908/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↑ 2%
169,432
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,918/year higher in Topeka. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield 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 60 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Topeka?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Topeka?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $9,918/year higher in Topeka.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Kansas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 Springfield or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Topeka

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks