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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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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:
87
(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

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
more
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 - RockfordCalculate 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.

Environment

Rockford
Topeka
42 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
72.1%
Good Air Days
59.3%
94 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
44 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
44 days

What to Consider When Moving from Rockford, IL to Topeka, KS

Relocating from Rockford, IL to Topeka, KS involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 13% lower in Topeka, KS, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Topeka, KS is 23% cheaper than in Rockford, IL. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Topeka, KS pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Topeka, KS to match your current standard of living in Rockford, IL.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Topeka, KS for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Rockford, IL vs Topeka, KS

Is Topeka, KS cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Yes, Topeka, KS is about 13.4% cheaper than Rockford, IL. You could save approximately $1,005/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 23% lower in Topeka, KS.

What salary do I need in Topeka, KS to match my lifestyle in Rockford, IL?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you would need approximately $137,943 in Topeka, KS to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Rockford, IL and Topeka, KS?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $921/month in Rockford, IL compared to $914/month in Topeka, KS. One-bedroom apartments are $705/month in Rockford, IL vs $712/month in Topeka, KS. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Rockford, IL or Topeka, KS?

Grocery prices are very similar between Rockford, IL and Topeka, KS, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Rockford, IL to Topeka, KS?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Illinois and Kansas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Rockford, IL on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $1,132/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $1,132/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $986/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $912/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $912/mo

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