Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Lexington is 21% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,101/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 19%
$67,631/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 66%
$272,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 25%
$1,160/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 43%
321,122
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $213/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,556/year.

Median household income is $44,601/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Olathe — common questions

Is Lexington or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Olathe?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $213/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Olathe?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $44,601/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Kansas?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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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