Is Topeka, KS cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Topeka, KS is 13.4% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $1005 per month.

What salary do I need in Topeka, KS to live like I do in Rockford, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $137,942.875 in Topeka, KS to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rockford, IL and Topeka, KS?

Housing in Topeka, KS is 22.8% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $914/month in Topeka, KS compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rockford, IL to Topeka, KS?

Moving from Rockford, IL to Topeka, KS could save you approximately $1005 per month, or $12057 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, IL vs Topeka, KS: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Rockford, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.0K/month moving to Topeka, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.9K in Topeka, KS

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 13.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,005

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$158K

Topeka, KS

Population:125K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$151K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 146K residents.

Topeka, KS

The Sunflower State

125K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 125K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rockford, IL vs Topeka, KS

Category	Rockford, IL	Topeka, KS	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,419/mo	$1,868/mo	↓ $551less	22.8%
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,199/mo	↓ $174less	12.7%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,585/mo	↓ $163less	9.3%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$603/mo	↓ $107less	15.1%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$532/mo	↑ $29.72more	5.9%
Groceries	$948/mo	$943/mo	↓ $5.02less	0.5%

Housing

↓ 22.8%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Topeka, KS

$1,868

Difference

$551

less

Transportation

↓ 12.7%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Topeka, KS

$1,199

Difference

$174

less

Other

↓ 9.3%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Topeka, KS

$1,585

Difference

$163

less

Healthcare

↓ 15.1%

Rockford, IL

$710

Topeka, KS

$603

Difference

$107

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.9%

Rockford, IL

$502

Topeka, KS

$532

Difference

$29.72

Groceries

↓ 0.5%

Rockford, IL

$948

Topeka, KS

$943

Difference

$5.02

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$687

↑ $48.00

1 Bed

From$705

To$712

↑ $7.00

2 Bed

From$921

To$914

↓ $7.00

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,207

↓ $12.00

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/mo

Topeka, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $680–$1,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$6,728

Monthly in Topeka, KS

$972

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Topeka

$158K

Median Value

$151K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↓ -1.3%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +43%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$63K - $374K

Homes in Topeka are 5% less expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford Calculate payment - Topeka

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $993

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$82.75

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Rockford, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Topeka, KS

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kansas State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,714/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Rockford, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Topeka, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%

Property Tax:1.3%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.