Cost of Living: Olathe, KS vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Olathe is 34% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,314/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 38%
$112,232/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↓ 10%
$340,600 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 42%
$1,662/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 15%
143,720
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.5%
Sales Tax
2.9%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

14.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $11,247/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Thornton — common questions

Is Olathe or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Thornton?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Thornton?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $11,247/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Colorado?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Olathe or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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