Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Fresno is 3% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,324/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ≈ Same
$66,804/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 68%
$348,500 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 2%
$1,391/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 19%
543,615
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $45,428/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Olathe — common questions

Is Fresno or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Olathe?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Olathe?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $45,428/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Olathe details →

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