Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Bakersfield is 79% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,371/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 31%
$77,397/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 28%
$347,300 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 62%
$1,540/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 40%
408,366
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $21,495/year higher in Bakersfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Topeka slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Topeka — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Topeka?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Topeka?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $21,495/year higher in Bakersfield.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Bakersfield details → View Topeka details →

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