Moving from Springfield, IL to Olathe, KS
Relocating between Springfield, IL and Olathe, KS is a 331 mi drive β 6h 24m 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.
331 mi Β· 6h 24m by car Β· KS β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.745 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.406 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.616 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 92.745 vs 92.543 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $163,198 to $433,117 moving to Olathe.
YoY change: Springfield +8.2%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.4" | 40.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (52.9Β°F) and Olathe (55.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Olathe averages 13.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD #2, IL US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 113,714 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $65,537 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 40.7 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.76 |
Expect median household income to rise 0.2% β $65,537 β $112,232 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
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 Illinois 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 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
- Winter gear first: Olathe averages 13.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β 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 Springfield to Olathe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 331 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Olathe, KS from Springfield, IL?
The driving distance is 331 mi and the route typically takes 6h 24m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $65,537 in Springfield β a 71.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Olathe more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 0.2% lower than Springfield (92.543 vs 92.745, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to Springfield?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $48,220 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 103,670 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $163,198 in Springfield β a 165.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, IL Β· Olathe, KS.