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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

San Bernardino is 88% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,433/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 34%
$63,988/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 13%
$384,900 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 66%
$1,478/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 37%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $8,086/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Topeka — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Topeka?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Topeka?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $8,086/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Topeka details →

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