Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Des Moines is 33% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,054/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 25%
$63,966/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 75%
$183,700 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 85%
$1,137/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 46%
212,464
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.57%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $260/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $3,120/year.

Median household income is $48,266/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Olathe — common questions

Is Des Moines or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Olathe?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $260/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Olathe?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $48,266/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Kansas?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Olathe details →

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