Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Houston is 15% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,313/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ≈ Same
$62,894/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 78%
$253,400 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 34%
$1,316/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 26%
2,300,419
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $49,338/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Olathe — common questions

Is Houston or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Olathe?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Olathe?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $49,338/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Kansas?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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