Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Independence, MO (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Olathe is 55% more expensive than Independence.

$1,314/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 19%
$112,232/yr ↑ 89%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 47%
$340,600 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 51%
$1,662/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 37%
143,720
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $253/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $3,036/year.

Median household income is $52,752/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Independence — common questions

Is Olathe or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Independence?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $253/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Independence?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $52,752/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Missouri?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Olathe and Independence

Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor