Springfield wins overall by ~1% (COL index)
Cost of living: Topeka vs Springfield (2026)
A $60,000 salary in Topeka buys roughly what $59,250 does in Springfield (COL-adjusted). Your real trade-offs are taxes, rent, and day-to-day prices — we break them down and personalize below.
Your move simulator
Tell us about your household — we calculate your real annual savings.
Estimated annual swing
−$463/yr
Favoring Springfield for this income & household (illustrative).
With an extra $39/mo in Springfield, you could max a Roth IRA contribution faster and still grow your savings buffer.
Studio rent/mo
1BR rent/mo
2BR rent/mo
Median home price
Groceries index (100 = US avg)
Budget meal (1 person)
Mid-range dinner (2)
Monthly transit pass/mo
Gas price/gal
Car insurance/mo
Monthly utilities bundle/mo
Internet/mo
Median household income/yr
State income tax%
Sales tax (combined)%
Movie ticket
Gym membership/mo
Beer at restaurant
Overall COL index (100 = US avg)
Walk score / 100
| Category | Topeka Kansas | Springfield Missouri | Who wins | Your impact at $60K · 1br · 1 car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||||
| Studio rent/mo | $750Better | $750 | — | — |
| 1BR rent/mo | $940Better | $950 | Topeka wins +$10/mo | $120/yr saves in Topeka |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,250Better | $1,250 | — | — |
| Median home price | $180KBetter | $185K | Topeka wins +$5K | — |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 92Better | 93 | Topeka wins +1 | — |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $10Better | $10 | — | — |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $44Better | $44 | — | — |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $40Better | $42 | Topeka wins +$2/mo | — |
| Gas price/gal | $2.95Better | $2.95 | — | — |
| Car insurance/mo | $142Better | $145 | Topeka wins +$3/mo | — |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $150Better | $155 | Topeka wins +$5/mo | — |
| Internet/mo | $55Better | $58 | Topeka wins +$3/mo | — |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||||
| Median household income/yr | $48KBetter | $47K | Topeka wins −$1K more/yr | — |
| State income tax% | 5.7% | 4.7%Wins | Springfield wins -1.0 pp | $600/yr saves in Springfield |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.6% | 8.3%Better | Springfield wins -0.3 pp | — |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||||
| Movie ticket | $12.00Better | $12.00 | — | — |
| Gym membership/mo | $28Better | $30 | Topeka wins +$2/mo | — |
| Beer at restaurant | $4.50Better | $4.50 | — | — |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 80 | 79Better | Springfield wins -1 | — |
| Walk score / 100 | 26Better | 26 | — | — |
Complete the Picture
While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
Tax-smart rewards
Maximize everyday spend in your new city
Springfield fits your move math — cash-back cards stack on groceries, gas, and dining you're already doing.
Home + auto bundle
New state — new insurance rates
Bundling often saves hundreds/yr. Compare before you sign a lease in Springfield.
High-yield savings
Grow your move fund while you shop for homes
Don't let relocation cash sit at 0% — put it to work until closing day.
More ways to compare this move
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While you’re comparing — don’t leave money on the table.
If cash is tight
Knock down high-interest debt first
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Invest the surplus on autopilot
Brokerages and robo-advisors help you dollar-cost average into the market with your new slack.
Frequently asked questions
Is Topeka cheaper than Springfield?
No. Springfield is 1% cheaper than Topeka based on overall cost of living indices (79 vs 80, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Topeka vs Springfield?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Topeka is $940/month and in Springfield is $950/month. Topeka is cheaper by 1%.
How much do I need to earn in Springfield to match a $75,000 salary in Topeka?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $74,063/year in Springfield to match a $75,000 salary in Topeka. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Topeka or Springfield?
Springfield has the lower state income tax rate at 4.7% vs 5.7%. The difference is 1.0 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Topeka to Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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