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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Stockton is 98% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,495/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 37%
$76,851/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 27%
$412,900 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 68%
$1,555/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 40%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $548/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $6,576/year.

Median household income is $20,949/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Topeka — common questions

Is Stockton or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Topeka?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $548/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Topeka?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $20,949/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Topeka details →

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