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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Pasadena is 279% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,218/mo ↑ 134%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 57%
$103,778/yr ↑ 86%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 46%
$1,045,000 ↑ 700%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 88%
$2,340/mo ↑ 152%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 60%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,271/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $15,252/year.

Median household income is $47,876/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Topeka — common questions

Is Pasadena or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Topeka?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $1,271/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Topeka?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $47,876/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Topeka details →

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