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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Santa Clara is 429% more expensive than Topeka.

$2,985/mo ↑ 215%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 68%
$173,670/yr ↑ 211%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 68%
$1,527,900 ↑ 1070%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 91%
$3,051/mo ↑ 228%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 70%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $2,038/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $24,456/year.

Median household income is $117,768/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Topeka — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Topeka?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $2,038/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Topeka?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $117,768/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Santa Clara details → View Topeka details →

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