Moving from Lee's Summit, MO to Olathe, KS
Relocating from Lee's Summit, MO to Olathe, KS? The drive is 27 mi β about 36 min. Local does not always mean identical: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and NOAA climate can all shift a few percent across short distances. The sections below compare each data layer directly.
27 mi Β· 36 min by car Β· KS β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 50, I 470, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lee's Summit | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Lee's Summit and Olathe sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Olathe run about 0.0% pricier β ZHVI $390,166 β $433,117 (2026-03).
YoY change: Lee's Summit +2.1%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lee's Summit | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 40.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 55.7Β°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: LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lee's Summit | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,583 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $104,989 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.76 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.0% higher in Olathe than Lee's Summit.
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 the job market in Olathe compare to Lee's Summit?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Lee's Summit to Olathe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 27 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 Lee's Summit, MO?
The driving distance is 27 mi and the route typically takes 36 min via US 50 and I 470. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to Lee's Summit?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $390,166 in Lee's Summit β a 11.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lee's Summit vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $104,989 in Lee's Summit β a 6.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Lee's Summit.
City profiles: Lee's Summit, MO Β· Olathe, KS.