Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Olathe is 30% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,314/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 12%
$112,232/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 50%
$340,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 29%
$1,662/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 30%
143,720
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $56,579/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

Kansas has a lower income tax rate, making Olathe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Columbia — common questions

Is Olathe or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Columbia?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Columbia?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $56,579/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and South Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Columbia details →

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