Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Salem and Olathe have a similar cost of living.

$1,323/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ≈ Same
$71,900/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 56%
$382,400 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 11%
$1,440/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 15%
176,666
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.7%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $40,332/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Olathe — common questions

Is Salem or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Olathe?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Olathe?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $40,332/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Kansas?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Olathe details →

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