Milwaukee vs Topeka
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Milwaukee
Topeka
💡 The Verdict
Topeka is 5% cheaper than Milwaukee overall. A $75,000 salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to $70,924 in Topeka.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Milwaukee (left) vs Topeka (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Milwaukee versus Topeka. Differences shown from Milwaukee perspective.
| Item | Milwaukee | Topeka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $820/mo | $940/mo | $-120.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,100/mo | $1,470/mo | $-370.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,460/mo | $1,920/mo | $-460.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.84 | $2.02 | +$0.82 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.56 | $3.26 | +$0.30 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.27 | $2.40 | +$0.87 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.48 | $5.06 | +$0.42 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.46 | $3.29 | +$0.17 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15.63 | $18.44 | $-2.81 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Milwaukee has the same purchasing power as $70,924 in Topeka.
Conversely, $75,000 in Topeka equals $79,310 in Milwaukee.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $525 difference is driven by Wisconsin having a higher state income tax rate. Wisconsin details → · Kansas details →
Reading These Numbers: Milwaukee (92) vs Topeka (87)
Milwaukee at 92 is 8% below the US average, while Topeka at 87 is 13% below average. The cost difference between these cities is relatively modest.
In Milwaukee, the composite index of 92 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 80, followed by groceries (100), utilities (97), transportation (103), and healthcare (102). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,100/mo in Milwaukee and $1,470/mo in Topeka, the annual rent difference is approximately $4,440.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $22,200.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $148,000.0 difference in median home prices between Milwaukee and Topeka translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Milwaukee vs Topeka
Choosing between Milwaukee and Topeka involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Milwaukee and Topeka can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.