Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Memphis is 35% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,123/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 17%
$51,211/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 119%
$157,100 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 117%
$1,087/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 53%
629,063
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.64%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $61,021/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Olathe — common questions

Is Memphis or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Olathe?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Olathe?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $61,021/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Kansas?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Olathe details →

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