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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Fullerton is 236% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,124/mo ↑ 124%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 55%
$104,219/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 46%
$859,600 ↑ 558%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 85%
$2,251/mo ↑ 142%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 59%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,177/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $14,124/year.

Median household income is $48,317/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Topeka — common questions

Is Fullerton or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Topeka?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,177/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Topeka?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $48,317/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Topeka details →

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