Moving from Des Moines, IA to Overland Park, KS
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Overland Park, KS covers 212 mi and about 4h 4m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
212 mi · 4h 4m by car · IA → MO → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → MO → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 435, IA 5 |
| 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
| Des Moines | Overland Park | 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 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Des Moines (91.701) 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: 0.9% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| 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" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.8 in of snowfall annually at Overland Park.
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 | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Overland Park is 0.9% above Des Moines ($63,966 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 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: 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
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 212 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park 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 Overland Park compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $482,295 in Overland Park vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 131.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Overland Park, KS from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 212 mi and the route typically takes 4h 4m via I 35 and I 435. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Overland Park?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Overland Park 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.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 62.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Overland Park more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Overland Park, KS.