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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Louisville is 29% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,069/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 23%
$64,731/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 73%
$221,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 54%
$1,118/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 49%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $245/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,940/year.

Median household income is $47,501/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Olathe — common questions

Is Louisville or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Olathe?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $245/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Olathe?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $47,501/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 Louisville or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Olathe details →

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