Olney, TX vs Wharton, TX

The cost of living difference between Olney, TX and Wharton, TX is dramatic. Olney is 31% cheaper than Wharton, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Olney has a cost index of 52 while Wharton sits at 76, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Olney is $436/month compared to $993/month in Wharton — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Olney is more affordable at $92,200 median vs $149,300.

Median household income in Olney is $39,231 compared to $47,692 in Wharton (-17.7%). The higher salaries in Wharton partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Olney spend roughly 13.3% of their income on rent, less than the 25% in Wharton.