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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Ontario is 162% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,916/mo ↑ 102%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 51%
$82,806/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 32%
$568,000 ↑ 335%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 77%
$1,967/mo ↑ 112%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 53%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $969/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $11,628/year.

Median household income is $26,904/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Topeka — common questions

Is Ontario or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Topeka?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $969/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Topeka?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $26,904/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Topeka

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks