Moving from Olathe, KS to Plano, TX
Relocating between Olathe, KS and Plano, TX is a 459 mi drive β 8h 55m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
459 mi Β· 8h 55m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 169, US 75, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Grand Prairie, Denton, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Plano | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Plano runs about 11.4% more expensive overall than Olathe β RPP 92.543 β 103.09.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Plano run about 11.4% pricier β ZHVI $433,117 β $498,989 (2026-03).
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Plano -5.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Olathe | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 41.9" |
Expect 10.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Plano |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 287,339 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $108,649 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 39.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 35.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.6 |
Household income lines up β $112,232 vs $108,649 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Plano MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Plano average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Olathe vs Plano?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $108,649 in Plano vs $112,232 in Olathe β a 3.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Plano?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 459 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Plano more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Plano is 11.4% higher than Olathe (103.09 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Plano, TX from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 459 mi and the route typically takes 8h 55m via US 169 and US 75. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Plano compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $498,989 in Plano vs $433,117 in Olathe β a 15.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Plano compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Plano MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS Β· Plano, TX.