Moving from Overland Park, KS to Knoxville, TN
A move from Overland Park, KS to Knoxville, TN covers 745 mi and around 13h 54m of driving through 5 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.
745 mi Β· 13h 54m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β KY β TN
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β KY β TN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Overland Park | Knoxville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 92.569 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 71.869 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.247 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 82.783 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Overland Park (92.543) and Knoxville (92.569) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Knoxville: 0.0% below Overland Park on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Overland Park +5.0%, Knoxville +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Overland Park | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 88Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.7" | 55.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OLATHE 3E, KS US, KNOXVILLE EXP STN, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Overland Park | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,199 | 193,721 |
| Median household income | $103,838 | $50,994 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 33.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.5% | 20.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.28 |
Median household income in Knoxville is 0.0% below Overland Park ($103,838 vs $50,994, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Knoxville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,000 | $39,660 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 40,780 | $28,680 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 39,220 | $36,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 35,880 | $32,470 |
| Production Occupations | 33,840 | $41,910 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Knoxville averages 55.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Knoxville compared to Overland Park?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,216 in Knoxville vs $482,295 in Overland Park β a 23.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Knoxville compare to Overland Park?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,040 in the Knoxville MSA vs $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA, on total employment of 413,540 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Overland Park vs Knoxville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $50,994 in Knoxville vs $103,838 in Overland Park β a 50.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Overland Park to Knoxville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 745 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Knoxville, TN from Overland Park, KS?
The driving distance is 745 mi and the route typically takes 13h 54m via I 24 and I 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Knoxville, TN.