Moving from Olathe, KS to Centennial, CO
The drive from Olathe, KS to Centennial, CO runs 586 mi β about 10h 16m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
586 mi Β· 10h 16m by car Β· KS β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, CO 86 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.543 in Olathe to 105.782 in Centennial, a 14.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Centennial: 14.3% above Olathe on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Olathe | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 15.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.59 |
Income steps up 14.3%: $112,232 in Olathe vs $128,167 in Centennial.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
Winter driving along this route
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Olathe vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $112,232 in Olathe β a 14.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 586 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Centennial more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 14.3% higher than Olathe (105.782 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Centennial, CO from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 586 mi and the route typically takes 10h 16m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $433,117 in Olathe β a 49.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS Β· Centennial, CO.