Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Kent, WA (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Olathe is 28% cheaper than Kent.

$1,314/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 39%
$112,232/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 19%
$340,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 58%
$1,662/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 15%
143,720
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $21,816/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Kansas's 5.7% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Kent — common questions

Is Olathe or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Kent?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Kent?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $21,816/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Washington?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Kent details →

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