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

Olathe

Kansas
104
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Olathe is 32% more expensive than Waco.

$1,314/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 16%
$112,232/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 54%
$340,600 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 41%
$1,662/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 34%
143,720
Population
141,925

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Olathe, KS and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $60,764/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Olathe is $340,600 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Olathe vs Waco — common questions

Is Olathe or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Olathe and Waco?
Median rent in Olathe is $1,314/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Olathe or Waco?
Median household income is $112,232 in Olathe and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $60,764/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Olathe has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,314/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Olathe details → View Waco details →