Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Olathe is 60% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,314/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 30%
$112,232/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 40%
$340,600 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 48%
$1,662/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 35%
143,720
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $44,373/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Olathe or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $44,373/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Iowa?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Olathe and Cedar Rapids

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