Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Topeka, KS (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

St. Paul is 57% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,248/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 24%
$73,055/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 23%
$280,300 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 53%
$1,390/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 33%
307,762
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $17,153/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Topeka — common questions

Is St. Paul or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Topeka?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Topeka?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $17,153/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Kansas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Topeka details →

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