Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Raleigh is 6% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,468/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 10%
$82,424/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 36%
$377,800 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 10%
$1,487/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 12%
470,763
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $29,808/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Olathe — common questions

Is Raleigh or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Olathe?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Olathe?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $29,808/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Kansas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Raleigh details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

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