Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Springfield, IL (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Olathe is 70% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,314/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 28%
$112,232/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 42%
$340,600 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 54%
$1,662/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 41%
143,720
Population
113,714

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $46,695/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Springfield — common questions

Is Olathe or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Springfield?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Springfield?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $46,695/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Olathe and Springfield

Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton Springfield vs. Odessa Springfield vs. Beaumont Springfield vs. Elgin Springfield vs. Gresham Springfield vs. Provo Springfield vs. Las Cruces