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

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

McAllen is 38% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,017/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 29%
$60,165/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 87%
$173,800 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 96%
$996/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 67%
143,789
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $52,067/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Olathe — common questions

Is McAllen or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Olathe?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Olathe?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $52,067/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 McAllen or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/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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