Moving from Rochester, MN to Overland Park, KS
The 424 mi from Rochester to Overland Park translate to about 7h 50m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
424 mi · 7h 50m by car · KS → MO → IA → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IA → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Overland Park | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Rochester (90.821) and Overland Park (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Overland Park: 1.9% above Rochester on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 40.7" |
Climate warms by 10.3°F on the annual average — 44.8°F → 55.1°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.8 in of snowfall annually at Overland Park.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.38 |
Income steps up 1.9%: $87,767 in Rochester vs $103,838 in Overland Park.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Overland Park 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 Minnesota 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Overland Park 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.3°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 far is Overland Park, KS from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 424 mi and the route typically takes 7h 50m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Overland Park?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 424 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Overland Park more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park is 1.9% higher than Rochester (92.543 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 18.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Overland Park compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $482,295 in Overland Park vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 42.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Overland Park?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Overland Park vs 44.8°F in Rochester (10.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 34.7 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Overland Park, KS.