Moving from Olathe, KS to Denton, TX
Relocating between Olathe, KS and Denton, TX is a 492 mi drive β 8h 29m 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 Β· 8h 29m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, OK 66 |
| Major cities en route | Plano, Irving, Frisco, Mckinney, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Denton runs about 11.4% more expensive overall than Olathe β RPP 92.543 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Denton run about 11.4% cheaper β ZHVI $433,117 β $354,135 (2026-03).
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Olathe | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 38.4" |
Expect 10.3Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.72 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.4% β $112,232 β $73,719 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Denton average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Denton compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Olathe vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $112,232 in Olathe β a 34.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Denton more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denton is 11.4% higher than Olathe (103.09 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Denton compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $433,117 in Olathe β a 18.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Denton, TX from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 492 mi and the route typically takes 8h 29m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% 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 β 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 Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS Β· Denton, TX.