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

Topeka

Kansas
58
VS

Ventura

California
183

Topeka is 68% cheaper than Ventura.

$947/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 122%
$55,902/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 80%
$130,600 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 496%
$930/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 128%
126,103
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Topeka, KS and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 58 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,154/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $13,848/year.

Median household income is $44,505/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Topeka is $130,600 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Topeka vs Ventura — common questions

Is Topeka or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Topeka and Ventura?
Median rent in Topeka is $947/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $1,154/month.
Which city has higher income, Topeka or Ventura?
Median household income is $55,902 in Topeka and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $44,505/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka has a cost index of 58 with median rent of $947/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Topeka details → View Ventura details →

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