Cost of Living: Topeka vs Bakersfield (2026)
Topeka has a 18% lower overall cost of living than Bakersfield as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $940/mo in Topeka vs $1,300/mo in Bakersfield — a 28% difference. Topeka has a lower state income tax rate (5.7% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Topeka is 18% cheaper overall (COL index: 80 vs 97)
- 1BR rent: $940/mo in Topeka vs $1,300/mo — 28% savings
- Higher median household income: Bakersfield ($56,000/yr vs $48,000/yr)
- Median home price: $180,000 in Topeka vs $330,000 — 45% difference
| Category | Topeka Kansas | Bakersfield California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $750Best | $1,050 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $940Best | $1,300 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,250Best | $1,700 |
| Median home price | $180KBest | $330K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 92Best | 98 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $10Best | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $44Best | $54 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $40Best | $55 |
| Gas price/gal | $2.95Best | $4.50 |
| Car insurance/mo | $142Best | $158 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $150 | $140Best |
| Internet/mo | $55Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $48K | $56KBest |
| State income tax% | 5.7%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 8.6% | 8.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $12.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $28Best | $38 |
| Beer at restaurant | $4.50Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 80Best | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26Best | 26 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Topeka cheaper than Bakersfield?
Yes. Topeka is 18% cheaper than Bakersfield based on overall cost of living indices (80 vs 97, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Topeka vs Bakersfield?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Topeka is $940/month and in Bakersfield is $1,300/month. Topeka is cheaper by 28%.
How much do I need to earn in Bakersfield to match a $75,000 salary in Topeka?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $90,938/year in Bakersfield to match a $75,000 salary in Topeka. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Topeka or Bakersfield?
Topeka has the lower state income tax rate at 5.7% vs 9.3%. The difference is 3.6 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Topeka to Bakersfield?
It depends on your priorities. Topeka offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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