Is Olathe, KS cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Olathe, KS is 16.6% cheaper than Madison, WI. This translates to saving $1244 per month.

What salary do I need in Olathe, KS to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $135,070.555 in Olathe, KS to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Olathe, KS?

Housing in Olathe, KS is 33.1% cheaper than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,175/month in Olathe, KS compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Madison, WI to Olathe, KS?

Moving from Madison, WI to Olathe, KS could save you approximately $1244 per month, or $14929 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Olathe, KS: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Olathe, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.1K in Olathe, KS

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Madison, WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 16.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,244

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.9K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$427K

Olathe, KS

Population:147K

Cost Index:

(17% below avg)

Median Home:$422K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K 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: Madison, WI vs Olathe, KS

Category	Madison, WI	Olathe, KS	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,755/mo	$1,844/mo	↓ $911less	33.1%
Other	$1,791/mo	$1,564/mo	↓ $227less	12.7%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,183/mo	↓ $224less	15.9%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$599/mo	↓ $120less	16.7%
Groceries	$959/mo	$936/mo	↓ $22.83less	2.4%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$528/mo	↑ $20.08more	4.0%

Housing

↓ 33.1%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Olathe, KS

$1,844

Difference

$911

less

Other

↓ 12.7%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Olathe, KS

$1,564

Difference

$227

less

Transportation

↓ 15.9%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Olathe, KS

$1,183

Difference

$224

less

Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Madison, WI

$719

Olathe, KS

$599

Difference

$120

less

Groceries

↓ 2.4%

Madison, WI

$959

Olathe, KS

$936

Difference

$22.83

less

All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Madison, WI

$508

Olathe, KS

$528

Difference

$20.08

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$947

↓ $423

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,038

↓ $567

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,175

↓ $660

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$1,530

↓ $895

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$6,654

Monthly in Olathe, KS

$1,485

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Olathe

$427K

Median Value

$422K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↑ +3.4%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +35.8%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$420K - $425K

Homes in Olathe are 1% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Olathe

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $432

Per year

Monthly Difference

$35.99

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.