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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fontana is 152% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,733/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 45%
$98,187/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 43%
$558,500 ↑ 328%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 77%
$1,990/mo ↑ 114%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 53%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $786/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $9,432/year.

Median household income is $42,285/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fontana or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Topeka?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $786/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Topeka?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $42,285/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Topeka details →

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