Performance
Score Breakdown
Topeka
Springfield
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Springfield is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% higher compared to Topeka.
| Metric | Topeka | Springfield | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $900 | $950 | -5% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $245 | $180 | +36% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,965 | $1,900 | +3% |
| Cost Index | 86 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Topeka offers 29% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Topeka delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Topeka is estimated at
$55,000 vs $33,240 in Springfield.
| Metric | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,547 | $49,276 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $33,240 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,892 idx | 57,972 idx |
| Household Income | $69,888 | $47,143 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 69.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Topeka has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Springfield.
Topeka scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Topeka leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 43.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Walkability | 37.0/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Topeka is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x the population of Springfield.
From a growth perspective, Topeka is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Springfield has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Topeka | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,607 | 58,190 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 37.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Topeka
Advantages
The cost of living in Topeka is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Topeka boasts short average commute times, reducing daily travel stress for residents.
The city offers a strong sense of community, often described as a 'biggest small town' feel.
There is a diverse range of housing options available, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Topeka provides ample parks, trails, and outdoor spaces for recreation and an active lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Topeka has a high crime rate, particularly for violent and property crimes, exceeding national averages.
Public transportation options are minimal, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Summers in Topeka can be hot and humid, with extreme weather patterns.
Healthcare costs, specifically health insurance premiums, are higher than the national average.
The city's job growth rate is projected to be modest, potentially slower than national and regional averages.
Springfield
Advantages
Cost of living is approximately 15% below the national average, with housing costs running about 46% below the national norm. [25]
Median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $920 per month, significantly lower than the national average of $1,430. [25]
The median home value in Springfield is $102,100, which is 64% below the national average. [41]
Springfield has a lower rent-to-income ratio compared to other small metros in Ohio, indicating better rental affordability. [14]
The city is actively working on downtown revitalization, with new residential housing and entertainment venues. [30]
Drawbacks
Springfield has a high crime rate, significantly above both state and national averages, with a concerning trend in violent and property crimes. [9, 26]
The violent crime rate in Springfield is 1371.1 per 100,000 residents, which is substantially higher than the national average. [9]
Springfield has one of the highest crime rates in America, with a chance of becoming a victim of crime being one in 17. [26]
The city's walkability score is very low, indicating a high dependency on cars for transportation. [22, 38]
The median household income of $47,143 is below the national average, and the poverty rate is 23.1%, higher than the national average. [3, 39]
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Topeka
#86Kansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$900
Avg Salary
$63,547
Cost Index
86
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
43.0/10
Walkability
37.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
72
Business
60
Springfield
#111Ohio, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$49,276
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
13.0/10
Walkability
6.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.00%
Livability
70
Business
60
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