Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Olathe is 16% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,314/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 4%
$112,232/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↓ 21%
$340,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 26%
$1,662/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↓ 10%
143,720
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $23,916/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Elgin — common questions

Is Olathe or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Elgin?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Elgin?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $23,916/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Olathe and Elgin

Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont