Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Olathe is 35% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,314/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 19%
$112,232/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 45%
$340,600 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 26%
$1,662/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 36%
143,720
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $50,778/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Olathe or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Lafayette?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Lafayette?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $50,778/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Louisiana?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Lafayette details →

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