Moving from Overland Park, KS to Columbia, SC
A move from Overland Park, KS to Columbia, SC covers 1016 mi and around 19h 22m of driving through 7 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1016 mi · 19h 22m by car · KS → MO → IL → KY → TN → NC → SC
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL → KY → TN → NC → SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 70, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 93.662 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 88.306 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 79.455 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Columbia and Overland Park is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Columbia is 1.2% below Overland Park — $482,295 vs $229,068 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Columbia +1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Overland Park | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 88°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | 0.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 46.3" |
Columbia runs 8.5°F warmer on the annual average (55.1°F vs 63.6°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Columbia gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 138,019 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $55,653 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 28.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.67 |
Median household income in Columbia is 1.2% below Overland Park ($103,838 vs $55,653, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 55,750 | $38,500 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 36,270 | $32,390 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 34,570 | $35,920 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 34,100 | $25,840 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 26,320 | $73,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and South Carolina
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Carolina'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements 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 Columbia average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October.
- 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 South Carolina after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Overland Park to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1016 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Columbia, SC from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 1016 mi and the route typically takes 19h 22m via I 24 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Overland Park and Columbia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.6°F in Columbia vs 55.1°F in Overland Park (8.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.4 in vs 13.8 in. Annual precipitation: 46.3 in vs 40.7 in.
Is Columbia more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 1.2% higher than Overland Park (93.662 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,653 in Columbia vs $103,838 in Overland Park — a 46.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,630 in the Columbia MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 381,750 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,068 in Columbia vs $482,295 in Overland Park — a 52.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS · Columbia, SC.