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

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Worcester is 79% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,415/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 33%
$67,544/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 17%
$339,500 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 62%
$1,521/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 39%
205,501
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $11,642/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Topeka — common questions

Is Worcester or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Topeka?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Topeka?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $11,642/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Kansas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Topeka details →

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