Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Albuquerque is 24% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,085/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 21%
$65,604/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 71%
$266,700 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 28%
$1,149/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 45%
562,488
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
Sales Tax
6.5%
0.67%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $46,628/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Olathe — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Olathe?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Olathe?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $46,628/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Kansas?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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