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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Milwaukee is 36% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,033/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 27%
$51,888/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 116%
$172,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 98%
$1,082/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 54%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $60,344/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Olathe — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Olathe?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Olathe?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $60,344/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 Milwaukee or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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 Milwaukee details → View Olathe details →

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