Moving from Peoria, IL to Olathe, KS
The 408 mi from Peoria to Olathe translate to about 7h 49m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
408 mi · 7h 49m by car · KS → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Peoria (91.231) and Olathe (92.543) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Olathe: 1.4% above Peoria on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 40.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.8 in of snowfall annually at Olathe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.76 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.4% between Peoria and Olathe (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Olathe MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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
- Winter gear first: Olathe averages 13.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Olathe, KS from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 408 mi and the route typically takes 7h 49m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Olathe?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Olathe vs 52.7°F in Peoria (2.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 37.6 in.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 91.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Olathe?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 408 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 236.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Olathe more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 1.4% higher than Peoria (92.543 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Olathe, KS.