Moving from Topeka, KS to Olathe, KS
It is a 58 mi drive, roughly 1h 8m, between Topeka, KS and Olathe, KS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
58 mi Β· 1h 8m by car Β· KS
Distance & route
| Route through | KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | KS 10, I 70, K-7 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 88.82 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 4.2% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $190,096 to $433,117 moving to Olathe.
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 40.7" |
Annual average temperatures in Topeka (54.9Β°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: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.76 |
Olathe households earn about 4.2% more than Topeka at the median β $55,902 β $112,232 on ACS 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.
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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 100.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Olathe more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 4.2% higher than Topeka (92.543 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Olathe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 58 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 Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 58 mi and the route typically takes 1h 8m via KS 10 and I 70. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 127.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Olathe, KS.