Moving from Joliet, IL to Olathe, KS
Relocating between Joliet, IL and Olathe, KS is a 492 mi drive — 9h 15m 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.
492 mi · 9h 15m by car · IL → MO → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, Independence, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 10.7% cheaper overall in Olathe than Joliet on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
10.7% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 40.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.8 in of snowfall annually at Olathe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.76 |
Expect median household income to rise 10.7% — $88,026 → $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 Illinois 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
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 27.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Olathe more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 10.7% lower than Joliet (92.543 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Olathe, KS from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 492 mi and the route typically takes 9h 15m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Joliet 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 492 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 Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 66.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Olathe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Olathe vs 50.4°F in Joliet (4.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 38.0 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Olathe, KS.