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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Lakewood is 36% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,746/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 25%
$85,789/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 31%
$548,200 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 38%
$1,729/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↓ 4%
156,309
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

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $26,443/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Olathe — common questions

Is Lakewood or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Olathe?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Olathe?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $26,443/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 Lakewood or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Olathe details →

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