Cost of Living: Lincoln, NE vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Lincoln

Nebraska
77
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Lincoln is 26% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,045/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 26%
$69,991/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 60%
$248,200 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 37%
$1,140/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 46%
291,932
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

6.64%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.73%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

17.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lincoln, NE and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 77 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Lincoln, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $42,241/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lincoln is $248,200 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln vs Olathe — common questions

Is Lincoln or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lincoln is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lincoln and Olathe?
Median rent in Lincoln is $1,045/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Lincoln or Olathe?
Median household income is $69,991 in Lincoln and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $42,241/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Nebraska and Kansas?
Nebraska has 6.64% income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Lincoln or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Lincoln has a cost index of 77 with median rent of $1,045/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 Lincoln details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

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