Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Pasadena, CA (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Olathe is 53% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,314/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 69%
$112,232/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 8%
$340,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 207%
$1,662/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 41%
143,720
Population
136,462

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $8,454/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Olathe or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Pasadena?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Pasadena?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $8,454/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and California?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Pasadena details →

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