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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $978/month moving to Olathe, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.3K in Olathe, KS

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area
Overall Cost
↓ 13.0%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$978
Savings
Annual Impact
$11.7K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Aurora, IL

Population:178K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$298K

Olathe, KS

Population:147K
Cost Index:
87
(13% below avg)
Median Home:$422K

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Olathe, KS

The Sunflower State

147K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 147K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aurora, IL vs Olathe, KS

Housing
↓ 28.3%
Aurora, IL
$2,571
Olathe, KS
$1,844
Difference
$728
less
Transportation
↓ 24.4%
Aurora, IL
$1,565
Olathe, KS
$1,183
Difference
$382
less
Other
↓ 4.5%
Aurora, IL
$1,638
Olathe, KS
$1,564
Difference
$73.73
less
Groceries
↓ 5.7%
Aurora, IL
$993
Olathe, KS
$936
Difference
$56.99
less
All Utilities
↑ 5.4%
Aurora, IL
$501
Olathe, KS
$528
Difference
$27.20
more
Healthcare
↑ 4.3%
Aurora, IL
$574
Olathe, KS
$599
Difference
$24.86
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,109
To$947
↓ $162
1 Bed
From$1,188
To$1,038
↓ $150
2 Bed
From$1,338
To$1,175
↓ $163
3 Bed
From$1,726
To$1,530
↓ $196
Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/mo

Olathe, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,130–$1,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,843
Monthly in Aurora, IL
$6,654
Monthly in Olathe, KS
$1,189
Difference

Home Values

Aurora
Olathe
$298K
Median Value
$422K
↑ +3.5%
YoY Change
↑ +3.4%
↑ +43.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +35.8%
$236K - $339K
Price Range
$420K - $425K

Homes in Olathe are 42% more expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - AuroraCalculate payment - Olathe

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↓ $993
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$82.75
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.7%
Rate difference

Aurora, IL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Illinois State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,797/month
$105.6K

Olathe, KS

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Kansas State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,714/month
$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%
Property Tax:2.2%

Olathe, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%
Property Tax:1.3%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Aurora
Olathe
54 Moderate
Air Quality
46 Good
35.8%
Good Air Days
59.3%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
44 days
▲+3.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.3°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
44 days

What to Consider When Moving from Aurora, IL to Olathe, KS

Relocating from Aurora, IL to Olathe, KS involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 13% lower in Olathe, KS, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Olathe, KS is 28% cheaper than in Aurora, IL. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Olathe, KS pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Olathe, KS to match your current standard of living in Aurora, IL.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Olathe, KS for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Aurora, IL vs Olathe, KS

Is Olathe, KS cheaper than Aurora, IL?

Yes, Olathe, KS is about 13.0% cheaper than Aurora, IL. You could save approximately $978/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 28% lower in Olathe, KS.

What salary do I need in Olathe, KS to match my lifestyle in Aurora, IL?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Aurora, IL, you would need approximately $138,265 in Olathe, KS to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Aurora, IL and Olathe, KS?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,338/month in Aurora, IL compared to $1,175/month in Olathe, KS. One-bedroom apartments are $1,188/month in Aurora, IL vs $1,038/month in Olathe, KS. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Aurora, IL or Olathe, KS?

Groceries are about 6% cheaper in Olathe, KS than in Aurora, IL, saving a typical household roughly $56.99/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Aurora, IL to Olathe, KS?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Illinois and Kansas on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Aurora, IL on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $1,021/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $1,021/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $872/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $798/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $798/mo

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