Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Austin is 29% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,655/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 21%
$91,461/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 23%
$512,700 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 34%
$1,747/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↓ 5%
967,862
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $341/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $4,092/year.

Median household income is $20,771/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Olathe — common questions

Is Austin or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Olathe?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $341/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Olathe?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $20,771/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Austin and Olathe

Austin vs. San Jose Austin vs. Jacksonville Austin vs. Dallas Austin vs. Fort Worth Austin vs. San Diego Austin vs. Columbus Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton