Moving from Billings, MT to Olathe, KS
The drive from Billings, MT to Olathe, KS runs 1037 mi — about 18h 10m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1037 mi · 18h 10m by car · KS → MO → IA → NE → SD → WY → MT
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IA → NE → SD → WY → MT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Billings | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.526 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 72.437 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.006 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.364 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Billings (93.526) and Olathe (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Olathe at $433,117 is 1.1% above Billings at $392,209.
YoY change: Billings +1.8%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Billings | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 57.4" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 14.3" | 40.7" |
Climate warms by 6.9°F on the annual average — 48.2°F → 55.1°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.8 in of snowfall annually at Olathe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BILLINGS LOGAN INTL AP, MT US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Billings | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 118,321 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $71,855 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.35 | 2.76 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.1% between Billings and Olathe (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Olathe 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 Montana 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards — check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms — check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Olathe 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.
- 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
What is the climate difference between Billings and Olathe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Olathe vs 48.2°F in Billings (6.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 57.4 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 14.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Billings to Olathe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1037 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to Billings?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $392,209 in Billings — a 10.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to Billings?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $46,000 in the Billings MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 89,600 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Billings vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $71,855 in Billings — a 56.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Olathe, KS from Billings, MT?
The driving distance is 1037 mi and the route typically takes 18h 10m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Olathe more expensive than Billings?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 1.1% lower than Billings (92.543 vs 93.526, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Billings.
City profiles: Billings, MT · Olathe, KS.