Moving from Overland Park, KS to Detroit, MI
Relocating 781 mi from Overland Park to Detroit is a 14h 38m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
781 mi Β· 14h 38m by car Β· MI β IN β IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, I 94, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.4% above Overland Park β 92.543 β 100.298 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.4% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Overland Park | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 34.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.51 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.4% β $103,838 β $39,575 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Detroit more expensive than Overland Park?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 8.4% higher than Overland Park (100.298 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Detroit, MI from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 781 mi and the route typically takes 14h 38m via US 36 and I 94. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Detroit compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $482,295 in Overland Park β a 84.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park to Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 781 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $103,838 in Overland Park β a 61.9% 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 Overland Park.
City profiles: Overland Park, KS Β· Detroit, MI.