Moving from West Jordan, UT to Olathe, KS
A move from West Jordan, UT to Olathe, KS covers 1098 mi and around 18h 55m of driving through 6 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.
1098 mi Β· 18h 55m by car Β· KS β MO β IA β NE β WY β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA β NE β WY β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 29, US 71 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Jordan | Olathe | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.868 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 79 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.446 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.311 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.868 to 92.543, putting Olathe roughly 8.3% below West Jordan on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Olathe: 8.3% below West Jordan on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: West Jordan +1.7%, Olathe +4.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Jordan | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 13.8" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 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 1991β2020 (stations: DRAPER-POINT OF MTN, UT US, OLATHE 3E, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Jordan | Olathe |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,277 | 143,720 |
| Median household income | $103,960 | $112,232 |
| Median age | 33.1 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.2 | 2.76 |
Median household income in Olathe is 8.3% above West Jordan ($103,960 β $112,232, 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 Utah 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 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-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Olathe averages 13.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β 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
Is Olathe more expensive than West Jordan?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Olathe is 8.3% lower than West Jordan (92.543 vs 100.868, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from West Jordan to Olathe?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1098 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 West Jordan vs Olathe?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $112,232 in Olathe vs $103,960 in West Jordan β a 8.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Olathe compared to West Jordan?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $433,117 in Olathe vs $561,836 in West Jordan β a 22.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Olathe, KS from West Jordan, UT?
The driving distance is 1098 mi and the route typically takes 18h 55m via I 80 and I 29. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Olathe compare to West Jordan?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Olathe MSA vs $49,440 in the West Jordan MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 803,800 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 West Jordan.
City profiles: West Jordan, UT Β· Olathe, KS.