Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Olathe, KS (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

St. Paul is 12% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,248/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 5%
$73,055/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 54%
$280,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 22%
$1,390/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 20%
307,762
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $39,177/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Olathe — common questions

Is St. Paul or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Olathe?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Olathe?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $39,177/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Kansas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Olathe

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton