Moving from Abilene, TX to Overland Park, KS
A move from Abilene, TX to Overland Park, KS covers 624 mi and around 11h 3m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
624 mi · 11h 3m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 50, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Overland Park | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Abilene (90.364) and Overland Park (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Overland Park: 2.4% above Abilene on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 40.7" |
Overland Park is 10.8°F cooler on the annual average (65.9°F vs 55.1°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.8 in of snowfall annually at Overland Park.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Overland Park is 2.4% above Abilene ($62,720 vs $103,838, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Overland Park MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Overland Park averages 13.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Overland Park more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park is 2.4% higher than Abilene (92.543 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Overland Park?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 624 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Overland Park compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $482,295 in Overland Park vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 129.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 65.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Overland Park?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Overland Park vs 65.9°F in Abilene (10.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 25.2 in.
How far is Overland Park, KS from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 624 mi and the route typically takes 11h 3m via I 35 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Overland Park, KS.