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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Lubbock is 28% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,137/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 16%
$60,487/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 86%
$197,900 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 72%
$1,179/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 41%
261,078
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $177/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $2,124/year.

Median household income is $51,745/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Olathe — common questions

Is Lubbock or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Olathe?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $177/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Olathe?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $51,745/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 Lubbock or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Olathe details →

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