Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Newark is 4% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,330/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 1%
$48,416/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 132%
$337,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$340,600 ≈ Same
$1,419/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 17%
307,188
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $63,816/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Olathe — common questions

Is Newark or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Olathe?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Olathe?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $63,816/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Kansas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Olathe

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