Cost of Living: Topeka, KS vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Topeka is 38% cheaper than Rochester.

$947/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 39%
$55,902/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 57%
$130,600 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 120%
$930/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 43%
126,103
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $31,865/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Rochester — common questions

Is Topeka or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Rochester?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Rochester?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $31,865/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Minnesota?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Rochester details →

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