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

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Olathe is 14% more expensive than College Station.

$1,314/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 11%
$112,232/yr ↑ 117%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 54%
$340,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 4%
$1,662/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 25%
143,720
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $60,456/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs College Station — common questions

Is Olathe or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and College Station?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or College Station?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $60,456/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

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