Moving from Olathe, KS to Round Rock, TX
It is 696 mi between Olathe and Round Rock — roughly 12h 4m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 3 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
696 mi · 12h 4m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 50, US 59 |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.0% above Olathe — 92.543 → 98.066 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 6.0% under Olathe — $433,117 → $407,077 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.66 |
Households in Round Rock earn about 6.0% less at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- 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 Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $112,232 in Olathe — a 13.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 6.0% higher than Olathe (98.066 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 696 mi and the route typically takes 12h 4m via I 35 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 696 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $433,117 in Olathe — a 6.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS · Round Rock, TX.