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

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Olathe is 38% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,314/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 67%
$112,232/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 9%
$340,600 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 74%
$1,662/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 34%
143,720
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $9,911/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Olathe or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Fairfield?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Fairfield?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $9,911/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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