Moving from Olathe, KS to Renton, WA
A 1852 mi cross-country move between Olathe and Renton is 32h 13m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1852 mi Β· 32h 13m by car Β· KS β MO β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA β SD β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 29, US 212 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Renton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Renton is 20.1% above Olathe β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Renton -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Olathe | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 54Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 37Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 77Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, RENTON MUNI AP, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Renton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 105,279 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $96,626 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 25.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.55 |
Households in Renton earn about 20.1% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Renton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Renton compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Renton MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Renton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1852 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 Renton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,626 in Renton vs $112,232 in Olathe β a 13.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Renton, WA from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 1852 mi and the route typically takes 32h 13m via I 90 and I 29. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Renton compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $764,375 in Renton vs $433,117 in Olathe β a 76.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Renton more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Renton is 20.1% higher than Olathe (111.133 vs 92.543, 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 Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS Β· Renton, WA.