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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Lancaster is 114% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,696/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 44%
$76,083/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 27%
$409,100 ↑ 213%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 68%
$1,746/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 47%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $749/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,988/year.

Median household income is $20,181/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Topeka — common questions

Is Lancaster or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Topeka?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $749/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Topeka?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $20,181/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Topeka

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks