Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Olathe is 13% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,314/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 22%
$112,232/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 32%
$340,600 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 16%
$1,662/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ≈ Same
143,720
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $36,027/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Lowell — common questions

Is Olathe or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Lowell?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Lowell?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $36,027/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Massachusetts?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Lowell details →

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