Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Topeka is 45% cheaper than Manchester.

$947/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 55%
$55,902/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↑ 38%
$130,600 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 158%
$930/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 66%
126,103
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $21,513/year higher in Manchester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Manchester — common questions

Is Topeka or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Manchester?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Manchester?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $21,513/year higher in Manchester.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New Hampshire?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Manchester

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Manchester vs. Westminster Manchester vs. Richmond Manchester vs. Antioch Manchester vs. High Point Manchester vs. Broken Arrow Manchester vs. League City