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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Topeka is 51% cheaper than Lowell.

$947/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 69%
$55,902/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 36%
$130,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 203%
$930/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 80%
126,103
Population
114,799

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $656/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $7,872/year.

Median household income is $20,303/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Lowell — common questions

Is Topeka or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Lowell?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $656/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Lowell?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $20,303/year higher in Lowell.
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 Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Lowell details →

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