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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Tempe is 15% more expensive than Olathe.

$1,623/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 19%
$77,643/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 45%
$421,900 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 19%
$1,554/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 7%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $309/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $3,708/year.

Median household income is $34,589/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Olathe — common questions

Is Tempe or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Olathe?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $309/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Olathe?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $34,589/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 Tempe or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Olathe details →

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