Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Olathe is 54% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,314/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 82%
$112,232/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 2%
$340,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 210%
$1,662/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 48%
143,720
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,081/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $12,972/year.

Median household income is $2,159/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Olathe or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,081/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $2,159/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and California?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

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Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria