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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Durham and Olathe have a similar cost of living.

$1,412/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 7%
$79,234/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 42%
$355,300 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 4%
$1,434/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 16%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $98/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $1,176/year.

Median household income is $32,998/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Olathe — common questions

Is Durham or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Olathe?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $98/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Olathe?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $32,998/year higher in Olathe.
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 Durham or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Olathe details →

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