City vs city
Rochester, MN vs Topeka, KS
- Rent is 43% lower in Topeka (median $979/mo vs $1,399/mo in Rochester).
- Homes cost 115% less in Topeka ($144k vs $311k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $436 more a month after taxes and rent in Topeka.
- Schools rate higher in Rochester (7.9/10 vs 2.3/10).
- Rochester has less violent crime (2 vs 8.8 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Topeka has milder winters (30°F vs 15°F average).
- Topeka gets more sun (221 vs 181 sunny days a year).
| Rochester | Topeka | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,399/mo | $979/mo |
| Median home value | $311k | $144k |
| Median household income | $89k | $57k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,436 | $3,872 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 7.9/10 | 2.3/10 |
| Violent crime | 44% below the US rate | 2.4× the US rate |
| Summer average | 80°F | 90°F |
| Winter average | 15°F | 30°F |
| Sunny days a year | 181 | 221 |
| Walk score | 34 | 38 |
| Population | 122,330 | 125,786 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
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