Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Olathe is 7% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,314/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 11%
$112,232/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 43%
$340,600 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 16%
$1,662/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 7%
143,720
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $48,358/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Olathe or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $48,358/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and New Jersey?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Elizabeth details →

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