Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Boise is 8% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,359/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 3%
$81,308/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 38%
$456,000 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 25%
$1,337/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 24%
235,701
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.63%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $30,924/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Olathe — common questions

Is Boise or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Olathe?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $45/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Olathe?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $30,924/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Kansas?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boise and Olathe

Boise vs. Scottsdale Boise vs. Arlington Boise vs. Garland Boise vs. Norfolk Boise vs. Glendale Boise vs. Enterprise Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton