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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Sacramento is 128% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,694/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 44%
$83,753/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 33%
$484,600 ↑ 271%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 73%
$1,752/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 47%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $27,851/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Topeka — common questions

Is Sacramento or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Topeka?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Topeka?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $27,851/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Topeka details →

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