Moving from Springfield, MO to Olathe, KS
Moving from Springfield, MO to Olathe, KS covers 166 mi and about 3h 27m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
166 mi Β· 3h 27m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | MO 13, MO 7, MO 150 |
| Major cities en route | Lee S Summit, Independence, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.585 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.825 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 65.568 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Olathe and Springfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.585 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Olathe typical home at $433,117 is 4.5% above Springfield at $242,870 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +1.9%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.5" | 40.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.4Β°F vs 55.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Olathe sees 13.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,432 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $45,984 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 33.6 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.7% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.13 | 2.76 |
Median household income in Olathe is 4.5% above Springfield ($45,984 vs $112,232, ACS 5-year 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 Missouri 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
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 $45,984 in Springfield β a 144.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
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 $242,870 in Springfield β a 78.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Olathe, KS from Springfield, MO?
The driving distance is 166 mi and the route typically takes 3h 27m via MO 13 and MO 7. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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 $41,490 in the Springfield MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 217,710 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
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 166 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Olathe more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 4.5% higher than Springfield (92.543 vs 88.585, 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MO Β· Olathe, KS.