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

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Springfield is 42% cheaper than Olathe.

$920/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 43%
$45,984/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 144%
$165,200 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 106%
$908/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 83%
169,432
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $394/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,728/year.

Median household income is $66,248/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Olathe — common questions

Is Springfield or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Olathe?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $394/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Olathe?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $66,248/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Kansas?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 Springfield or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 Springfield details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

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