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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Topeka is 65% cheaper than Fairfield.

$947/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 131%
$55,902/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 83%
$130,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 354%
$930/mo ↓ 58%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 139%
126,103
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,244/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $14,928/year.

Median household income is $46,419/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Topeka or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Fairfield?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,244/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Fairfield?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $46,419/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Fairfield

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill