Irving vs Olathe
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Irving
Olathe
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 5.7%, with Irving being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Irving has equivalent purchasing power to $79,500 in Olathe.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Irving has the same purchasing power as $79,500 in Olathe.
Conversely, $75,000 in Olathe equals $70,755 in Irving.
Living in Irving vs Olathe
Housing Costs
Irving's housing index of 94 is lower Olathe's 106, translating to median home prices of $318,000 vs $364,000. The $46,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,988 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,350/mo in Irving compared to $1,425/mo in Olathe, a monthly difference of $75.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Irving and 96 in Olathe. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Irving vs $456/month in Olathe. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 111 in Irving and 98 in Olathe. Monthly utility bills average approximately $444 in Irving vs $392 in Olathe. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 103 in Irving and 102 in Olathe. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $73,400 in Irving and $114,000 in Olathe. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $73,400 and $107,547 respectively. Olathe residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,713/month to housing in Irving vs $2,660/month in Olathe. In Irving, median rent of $1,350/mo fits within this budget. In Olathe, median rent of $1,425/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 13 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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