Moving from Round Rock, TX to Olathe, KS
Relocating 696 mi from Round Rock to Olathe is a 12h 4m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
696 mi · 12h 4m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 50, 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
| Round Rock | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Expect about 5.6% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Olathe at 92.543 vs Round Rock at 98.066.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.6% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.76 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.6% higher in Olathe than Round Rock.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Olathe 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 Texas 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Olathe 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Round Rock to Olathe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 696 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Olathe more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 5.6% lower than Round Rock (92.543 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 6.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Olathe, KS from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 696 mi and the route typically takes 12h 4m via I 35 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Round Rock vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 15.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Olathe, KS.