Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Athens, GA (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Olathe is 25% more expensive than Athens.

$1,314/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 12%
$112,232/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 54%
$340,600 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 20%
$1,662/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 30%
143,720
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $60,577/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Athens — common questions

Is Olathe or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Athens?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Athens?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $60,577/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Georgia?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Athens details →

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