Moving from Madison, WI to Overland Park, KS
It is a 495 mi drive, roughly 9h 37m, between Madison, WI and Overland Park, 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.
495 mi Β· 9h 37m by car Β· WI β IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 151, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Overland Park | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.287 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 4.9% higher home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 40.7" |
Annual temperature rises 7.9Β°F moving to Overland Park per NOAA normals.
Overland Park 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: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.38 |
Overland Park households earn about 4.9% more than Madison at the median β $76,983 β $103,838 on 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 Wisconsin 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 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
Is Overland Park more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park is 4.9% lower than Madison (92.543 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $76,983 in Madison β a 34.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Overland Park, KS from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 495 mi and the route typically takes 9h 37m via I 35 and US 151. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Overland Park compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $482,295 in Overland Park vs $423,767 in Madison β a 13.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison 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 495 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Overland Park, KS.