Moving from Des Moines, IA to Olathe, KS
Relocating between Des Moines, IA and Olathe, KS is a 213 mi drive — 4h 6m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
213 mi · 4h 6m by car · IA → MO → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 56, US 169 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Des Moines and Olathe sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP — the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $208,166 in Des Moines to $433,117 in Olathe, a 0.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 40.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 50.9°F vs 55.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Olathe sees 13.8 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.76 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.9% — $63,966 → $112,232 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Iowa 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: 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
Is Olathe more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 0.9% higher than Des Moines (92.543 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 108.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 75.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Olathe, KS from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 213 mi and the route typically takes 4h 6m via I 35 and US 56. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Olathe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Olathe vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 36.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 213 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Olathe, KS.