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

Orange

California
206
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Orange is 255% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,252/mo ↑ 138%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 58%
$116,945/yr ↑ 109%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 52%
$900,700 ↑ 590%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 86%
$2,394/mo ↑ 157%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 61%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,305/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $15,660/year.

Median household income is $61,043/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Topeka — common questions

Is Orange or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Topeka?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,305/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Topeka?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $61,043/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Topeka

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks