Moving from Olathe, KS to Tempe, AZ
Relocating 1176 mi from Olathe to Tempe is a 21h 46m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1176 mi · 21h 46m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 54, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Phoenix, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Olathe | Tempe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Tempe runs about 11.6% more expensive overall than Olathe — RPP 92.543 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Tempe run about 11.6% pricier — ZHVI $433,117 → $468,281 (2026-03).
YoY change: Olathe +4.2%, Tempe -1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Olathe | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 39°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 106°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 8.8" |
Annual average temperature jumps 16.7°F — 55.1°F in Olathe vs 71.8°F in Tempe, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Tempe sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, TEMPE ASU, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Olathe | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 143,720 | 186,419 |
| Median household income | $112,232 | $77,643 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 29.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 28.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.42 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.6% — $112,232 → $77,643 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tempe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tempe average 106°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Tempe sees only 8.8 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (16.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tempe, AZ from Olathe, KS?
The driving distance is 1176 mi and the route typically takes 21h 46m via US 54 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Tempe compared to Olathe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $468,281 in Tempe vs $433,117 in Olathe — a 8.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Olathe and Tempe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.8°F in Tempe vs 55.1°F in Olathe (16.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 13.8 in. Annual precipitation: 8.8 in vs 40.7 in.
When is the best time to move from Olathe to Tempe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1176 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Tempe compare to Olathe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Tempe MSA vs $48,040 in the Olathe MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Tempe more expensive than Olathe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tempe is 11.6% higher than Olathe (103.316 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Olathe vs Tempe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,643 in Tempe vs $112,232 in Olathe — a 30.8% lower 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 Olathe.
City profiles: Olathe, KS · Tempe, AZ.