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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Modesto is 107% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,609/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 41%
$77,899/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 28%
$415,600 ↑ 218%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 69%
$1,613/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 42%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $21,997/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Topeka — common questions

Is Modesto or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Topeka?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Topeka?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $21,997/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Topeka

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks