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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Topeka is 75% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$947/mo ↓ 60%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 153%
$55,902/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 97%
$130,600 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 708%
$930/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 165%
126,103
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,448/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $17,376/year.

Median household income is $54,171/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Topeka or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,448/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $54,171/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and California?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Topeka or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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