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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Topeka is 76% cheaper than Cambridge.

$947/mo ↓ 65%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 190%
$55,902/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 126%
$130,600 ↓ 87%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 697%
$930/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 183%
126,103
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,795/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $21,540/year.

Median household income is $70,567/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Topeka or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Cambridge?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,795/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Cambridge?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $70,567/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Massachusetts?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Cambridge details →

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