Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Worcester and Olathe have a similar cost of living.

$1,415/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 7%
$67,544/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 66%
$339,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$340,600 ≈ Same
$1,521/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 9%
205,501
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in Olathe, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $44,688/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Olathe — common questions

Is Worcester or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Olathe is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Olathe?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Olathe?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $44,688/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Kansas?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Olathe details →

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Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Olathe vs. McAllen Olathe vs. Gainesville Olathe vs. Syracuse Olathe vs. Torrance Olathe vs. Denton Olathe vs. Thornton