Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Modesto is 15% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,609/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 18%
$77,899/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 44%
$415,600 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 18%
$1,613/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 3%
218,614
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.7%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $34,333/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Olathe — common questions

Is Modesto or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Olathe?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Olathe?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $34,333/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between California and Kansas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Olathe

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton