Cost of Living: Aurora, IL vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Aurora

Illinois
100
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Aurora is 4% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,535/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 14%
$90,109/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 25%
$260,400 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 31%
$1,591/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 4%
179,867
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, IL and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $22,123/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $260,400 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Olathe — common questions

Is Aurora or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Olathe?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,535/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Olathe?
Median household income is $90,109 in Aurora and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $22,123/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,535/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.
View Aurora details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Aurora and Olathe

Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton