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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Topeka is 67% cheaper than Murrieta.

$947/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 146%
$55,902/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 96%
$130,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 365%
$930/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 156%
126,103
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,383/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $16,596/year.

Median household income is $53,878/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Topeka or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Murrieta?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,383/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Murrieta?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $53,878/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Murrieta

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett