Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Olathe is 12% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,314/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ≈ Same
$112,232/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 22%
$340,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 16%
$1,662/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 20%
143,720
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.41%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,465/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Rochester — common questions

Is Olathe or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Rochester?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Rochester?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $24,465/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Minnesota?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Rochester details →

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