Moving from Olathe, KS to Broken Arrow, OK
The 225 mi from Olathe to Broken Arrow translate to about 4h 30m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
225 mi Β· 4h 30m by car Β· KS β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 169, K-7, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Olathe (92.543) and Broken Arrow (89.214) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Broken Arrow: 3.6% below Olathe on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Olathe | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.66 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.6% between Olathe and Broken Arrow (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 225 mi and the route typically takes 4h 30m via US 169 and K-7. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 3.6% lower than Olathe (89.214 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $433,117 in Olathe β a 33.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 225 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Olathe vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $112,232 in Olathe β a 24.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS Β· Broken Arrow, OK.