City Comparison
Olathe vs Shawnee
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Shawnee scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Olathe
Shawnee
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
| Metric | Olathe | Shawnee | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,450 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $420 | 0% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $115 | $115 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $240 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,400 | $2,400 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Shawnee offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Shawnee delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Olathe is estimated at
$58,000 vs $58,000 in Shawnee.
| Metric | Olathe | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $74,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 75,510 idx | 79,592 idx |
| Household Income | $95,500 | $95,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.3°F of each other.
For sunshine, Shawnee comes out ahead with 11 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
| Metric | Olathe | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.60°F | 56.90°F |
| Summer High | 85.50°F | 86.30°F |
| Winter Low | 21.90°F | 22.10°F |
| Rainfall | 42.30 in | 42.80 in |
| Snowfall | 17.70 in | 17.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 255 | 266 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Shawnee leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Olathe | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 38.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Olathe is the larger city
— approximately 2.1x the population of Shawnee.
From a growth perspective, Olathe is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Shawnee has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Olathe | Shawnee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 142,385 | 67,311 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 37.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 2.80% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Olathe
Advantages
Olathe consistently ranks among the safest cities in Kansas with violent and property crime rates well below the national average per FBI crime data.
The Olathe Public Schools (USD 233) district is highly rated statewide, offering exceptional educational outcomes and modern facilities.
The city features over 30 public parks, extensive trail systems, and community lakes providing abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Strategic location along Interstate 35 provides seamless commuting and logistics access across the entire Kansas City metropolitan area.
A thriving local economy with strong job growth in technology, logistics, and healthcare sectors.
Drawbacks
High reliance on automobiles makes public transit options limited for those who prefer not to drive.
Property taxes in Kansas can be relatively high compared to some competing states, impacting overall homeownership costs.
Housing inventory for first-time buyers can experience tight competition due to high regional demand.
Warm and humid summer conditions can occasionally limit comfortable outdoor daytime activities during peak heat waves.
Suburban sprawl in newer western developments can result in longer local errand commutes.
Shawnee
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Kansas with crime rates well below the national average
Access to top-rated public school districts within Johnson County
Expansive green spaces anchored by Shawnee Mission Park, offering diverse outdoor recreation
Strong local economy and strategic location within the Kansas City metropolitan area
Active historic downtown area featuring local dining, shopping, and community events
Drawbacks
High demand has driven up housing and property values, impacting affordability
High level of car dependency with limited public mass transit options
Rising property tax rates across Johnson County affecting homeowners
Cold winter conditions with potential for snow and ice accumulations
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to central Kansas City
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Olathe
#40Kansas, USA
71.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$74,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
38.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
56.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
83
Business
76
Shawnee
#32Kansas, USA
71.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
42.0/100
Sunny Days
266/yr
Avg Temp
56.90°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
74
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