Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Topeka is 27% cheaper than Dearborn.

$947/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 33%
$55,902/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 17%
$130,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$205,900 ↑ 58%
$930/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 26%
126,103
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $9,290/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Topeka or Dearborn 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 Topeka and Dearborn?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Dearborn?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $9,290/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Michigan?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Dearborn details →

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