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

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Downey

California
169

Olathe is 38% cheaper than Downey.

$1,314/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 44%
$112,232/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 22%
$340,600 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 114%
$1,662/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 20%
143,720
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $24,832/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Downey — common questions

Is Olathe or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Downey?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Downey?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $24,832/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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Downey details →

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