Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Olathe is 32% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,314/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 37%
$112,232/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 1%
$340,600 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 76%
$1,662/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 17%
143,720
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $1,164/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Arvada — common questions

Is Olathe or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Arvada?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Arvada?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $1,164/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Arvada details →

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