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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fremont is 379% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,905/mo ↑ 207%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 67%
$176,350/yr ↑ 215%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 68%
$1,289,400 ↑ 887%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 90%
$3,000/mo ↑ 223%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 69%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,958/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $23,496/year.

Median household income is $120,448/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fremont or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Topeka?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,958/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Topeka?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $120,448/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Topeka

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