Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Olathe is 46% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,314/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
$112,232/yr ↑ 79%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 44%
$340,600 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 47%
$1,662/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 33%
143,720
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $49,512/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Abilene — common questions

Is Olathe or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Abilene?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Abilene?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $49,512/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

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