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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Irvine is 341% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,893/mo ↑ 205%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 67%
$129,647/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 57%
$1,115,400 ↑ 754%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 88%
$2,904/mo ↑ 212%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 68%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,946/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $23,352/year.

Median household income is $73,745/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Topeka — common questions

Is Irvine or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Topeka?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,946/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Topeka?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $73,745/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Topeka details →

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