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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fresno is 74% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,324/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 28%
$66,804/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 16%
$348,500 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 63%
$1,391/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 33%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $10,902/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fresno or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Topeka?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Topeka?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $10,902/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Topeka details →

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