Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Mesa is 3% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,478/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 11%
$78,779/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 42%
$364,300 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 7%
$1,404/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 18%
507,478
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $33,453/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Olathe — common questions

Is Mesa or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Olathe?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Olathe?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $33,453/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kansas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Olathe

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton