Moving from Portland, OR to Overland Park, KS
A 1813 mi cross-country move between Portland and Overland Park is 31h 1m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 8 states. Nearly every household line — rent, taxes, climate, commute — usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1813 mi · 31h 1m by car · OR → ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → MO → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | OR → ID → UT → WY → NE → IA → MO → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, US 30 |
| Major cities en route | Vancouver, Hillsboro, Gresham, Boise City, Meridian |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Portland | Overland Park | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 105.421 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.974 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.222 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.114 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.2% moving from Portland to Overland Park — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Overland Park run about 12.2% cheaper — ZHVI $534,638 → $482,295 (2026-03).
YoY change: Portland -1.1%, Overland Park +5.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Portland | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 37°F | 20°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 88°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.6" | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.1" | 40.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 54.8°F vs 55.1°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Overland Park sees 13.8 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PORTLAND KGW-TV, OR US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Portland | Overland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 642,715 | 197,199 |
| Median household income | $88,792 | $103,838 |
| Median age | 38.6 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.1% | 37.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.24 | 2.38 |
Households in Overland Park earn about 12.2% more at the median — ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Overland Park 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 Oregon 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Cascade passes on I-84 and OR-58 can require chains or close entirely during winter storms.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Overland Park 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 much do homes cost in Overland Park compared to Portland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $482,295 in Overland Park vs $534,638 in Portland — a 9.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Portland vs Overland Park?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,838 in Overland Park vs $88,792 in Portland — a 16.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Overland Park, KS from Portland, OR?
The driving distance is 1813 mi and the route typically takes 31h 1m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Portland and Overland Park?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.1°F in Overland Park vs 54.8°F in Portland (0.3°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.8 in vs 3.6 in. Annual precipitation: 40.7 in vs 44.1 in.
When is the best time to move from Portland to Overland Park?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1813 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Overland Park more expensive than Portland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Overland Park is 12.2% lower than Portland (92.543 vs 105.421, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Overland Park compare to Portland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Overland Park MSA vs $55,940 in the Portland MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,206,150 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Portland.
City profiles: Portland, OR · Overland Park, KS.