Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Madison and Olathe have a similar cost of living.

$1,364/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 4%
$76,983/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 46%
$346,900 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 2%
$1,476/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 13%
275,568
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $35,249/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Olathe — common questions

Is Madison or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Olathe?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Olathe?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $35,249/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Kansas?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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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