Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Norman, OK (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Olathe is 37% more expensive than Norman.

$1,314/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 19%
$112,232/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 42%
$340,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 30%
$1,662/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 33%
143,720
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $47,172/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Norman — common questions

Is Olathe or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Norman?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Norman?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $47,172/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Oklahoma?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Norman details →

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