Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Cary is 30% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,621/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 19%
$129,399/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↓ 13%
$525,200 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 35%
$1,744/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↓ 5%
176,686
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $17,167/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Olathe — common questions

Is Cary or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Olathe?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Olathe?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $17,167/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

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