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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Topeka is 168% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$947/mo ↓ 63%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 172%
$55,902/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 140%
$130,600 ↓ 86%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 628%
$930/mo ↓ 66%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 193%
126,103
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,633/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $19,596/year.

Median household income is $78,465/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Topeka or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,633/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $78,465/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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