Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Olathe is 25% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,314/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$112,232/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 35%
$340,600 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 39%
$1,662/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 25%
143,720
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $39,202/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Odessa — common questions

Is Olathe or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Odessa?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Odessa?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $39,202/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Texas?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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