Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Overland Park, KS
The drive from Ann Arbor, MI to Overland Park, KS runs 744 mi — about 13h 57m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
744 mi · 13h 57m by car · KS → MO → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Overland Park | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Overland Park are 8.3% below Ann Arbor — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 8.3% lower in Overland Park than Ann Arbor as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 40.7" |
Climate warms by 6.9°F on the annual average — 48.2°F → 55.1°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Overland Park sees 13.8 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.38 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.3% between Ann Arbor and Overland Park (ACS 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 Michigan 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Overland Park 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
How far is Overland Park, KS from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 744 mi and the route typically takes 13h 57m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Overland Park more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park is 8.3% lower than Ann Arbor (92.543 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 28.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Overland Park?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 744 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Overland Park compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $482,295 in Overland Park vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 7.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Overland Park?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Overland Park vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (6.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 37.9 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Overland Park, KS.