Moving from St. Louis, MO to Overland Park, KS
Moving from St. Louis, MO to Overland Park, KS covers 261 mi and about 5h 4m 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.
261 mi Β· 5h 4m by car Β· MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 40, I 70, I 64 |
| Major cities en route | Columbia, Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Overland Park | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overland Park and St. Louis are close on the overall BEA RPP (95.088 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 40.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 58.0Β°F vs 55.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Overland Park sees 13.8 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Overland Park is 2.7% above St. Louis ($55,279 vs $103,838, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 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: Overland Park 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 far is Overland Park, KS from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 261 mi and the route typically takes 5h 4m via US 40 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 87.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Overland Park more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park is 2.7% lower than St. Louis (92.543 vs 95.088, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Overland Park?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 261 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Overland Park, KS.