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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Richmond

California
161

Topeka is 64% cheaper than Richmond.

$947/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 100%
$55,902/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 61%
$130,600 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 398%
$930/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 117%
126,103
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $948/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $11,376/year.

Median household income is $34,136/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Richmond — common questions

Is Topeka or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Richmond?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $948/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Richmond?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $34,136/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Topeka and Richmond

Topeka vs. Athens Topeka vs. Pearland Topeka vs. Abilene Topeka vs. Simi Valley Topeka vs. Columbia Topeka vs. Thousand Oaks Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell