Moving from Milwaukee to Topeka (2026)
Topeka has a COL index of 80 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$490/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8980
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,350$940
per month
State tax
7.7%5.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,259$4,384
per month
Salary needed in Topeka to match your Milwaukee lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Milwaukee | Equivalent in Topeka |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,955 |
| $50K | $44,944 |
| $60K | $53,933 |
| $75K | $67,416 |
| $80K | $71,910 |
| $100K | $89,888 |
| $120K | $107,865 |
| $150K | $134,831 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Milwaukee vs Topeka
| Expense | Milwaukee | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $940 |
| Groceries | $372 | $350 |
| Transport | $72 | $40 |
| Utilities | $168 | $150 |
| Internet | $63 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,234 | $2,849 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Topeka cheaper than Milwaukee?
Yes. Topeka has a cost of living index of 80 vs 89 for Milwaukee (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Milwaukee to Topeka?
On a $75K salary, moving from Milwaukee to Topeka could save roughly $490/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,880/year.
What salary do I need in Topeka to match my Milwaukee lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Milwaukee, you'd need roughly $67,416/year in Topeka. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Topeka to MilwaukeeMilwaukee vs Topeka — full comparisonMilwaukee cost of livingTopeka cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only