Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Surprise is 21% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,917/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 31%
$93,371/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 20%
$396,000 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 14%
$1,587/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 5%
149,519
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.7%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $603/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $7,236/year.

Median household income is $18,861/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Olathe — common questions

Is Surprise or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Olathe?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $603/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Olathe?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $18,861/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Kansas?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Olathe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Olathe

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton