Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Denver is 41% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,770/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 26%
$91,681/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 22%
$586,700 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 42%
$1,839/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↓ 10%
713,734
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.7%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $456/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $5,472/year.

Median household income is $20,551/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Olathe — common questions

Is Denver or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Olathe?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $456/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Olathe?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $20,551/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Kansas?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Olathe

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