Moving from St. Louis to Topeka (2026)
Topeka has a COL index of 80 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$431/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8780
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,300$940
per month
State tax
4.7%5.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,447$4,384
per month
Salary needed in Topeka to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Topeka |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,782 |
| $50K | $45,977 |
| $60K | $55,172 |
| $75K | $68,966 |
| $80K | $73,563 |
| $100K | $91,954 |
| $120K | $110,345 |
| $150K | $137,931 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Topeka
| Expense | St. Louis | Topeka |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $940 |
| Groceries | $369 | $350 |
| Transport | $75 | $40 |
| Utilities | $162 | $150 |
| Internet | $60 | $55 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $2,849 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Topeka cheaper than St. Louis?
Yes. Topeka has a cost of living index of 80 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Topeka?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Louis to Topeka could save roughly $431/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,172/year.
What salary do I need in Topeka to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $68,966/year in Topeka. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Topeka to St. LouisSt. Louis vs Topeka — full comparisonSt. Louis 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