Moving from Columbia, SC to Overland Park, KS
A move from Columbia, SC to Overland Park, KS covers 1016 mi and around 19h 22m of driving through 7 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.
1016 mi · 19h 22m by car · KS → MO → IL → KY → TN → NC → SC
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL → KY → TN → NC → SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Overland Park | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Overland Park and Columbia is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Overland Park is 1.2% above Columbia — $229,068 vs $482,295 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 40.7" |
Overland Park is 8.5°F cooler on the annual average (63.6°F vs 55.1°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Overland Park averages 13.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Overland Park is 1.2% above Columbia ($55,653 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 South Carolina 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- 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
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $55,653 in Columbia — a 86.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Columbia 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 1016 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Overland Park more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park is 1.2% lower than Columbia (92.543 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Overland Park compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $482,295 in Overland Park vs $229,068 in Columbia — a 110.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Columbia and Overland Park?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Overland Park vs 63.6°F in Columbia (8.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 0.4 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 46.3 in.
How far is Overland Park, KS from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 1016 mi and the route typically takes 19h 22m via I 24 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 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 Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC · Overland Park, KS.