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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Los Angeles is 222% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,879/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 50%
$80,366/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 30%
$879,500 ↑ 573%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 85%
$2,055/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 55%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $932/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $11,184/year.

Median household income is $24,464/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Topeka — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Topeka?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $932/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Topeka?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $24,464/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Topeka details →

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