Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Charleston is 23% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,632/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 19%
$90,038/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 25%
$469,100 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 27%
$1,688/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↓ 2%
152,014
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $318/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $3,816/year.

Median household income is $22,194/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Olathe — common questions

Is Charleston or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Olathe?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $318/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Olathe?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $22,194/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Kansas?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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 Charleston details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Olathe

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton