Moving to Kansas: 3 Reasons to Pack Your Bags & Move

Planning your move to the Sunflower State? You’re not alone! The current population of Kansas has reached 1,739,000, with a growth of 0.81% since 2023!

Kansas is positioned 37th nationwide in terms of wage growth. During the same time frame, the state’s private sector jobs expanded by 13.2%, according to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

3 Reasons to Move to Kansas

Kansas is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are six reasons to move to Kansas.

1. Cost of Living in Kansas

Living in Kansas is not expensive. It is 16.9% lower than the national average, which is pretty affordable compared to states like Massachusetts and New York, where living costs are 46% and 26% above the national average, respectively.

Here’s a breakdown of basic expenses in top metros in Kansas.

Metro	Home Price	Home Renting/mo	Public Transport/mo	Utilities/mo	Food/mo
Wichita	$196,225	$1,175	$55	$281	$270
Kansas City	$187,080	$1,200	$50	$213	$421
Topeka	$186,706	$950	$50	$250	$510
Overland Park	$431,430	$2,078	$59	$231	$366

2. Employment Opportunities in Kansas

Kansas’ robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. In September 2024, the Sunflower State reported approximately 74,000 available job openings.

• Technology: Kansas State University received $7 million in federal funding for a Bio-manufacturing Core and Training Facility. This initiative supports research and workforce training. It also strengthens Kansas’ technological expertise and infrastructure.
• Healthcare: The predicted job growth in Kansas’ healthcare sector is roughly 166,620 over the next decade. Major employers are UnitedHealth Group and Labcorp.
• Logistics and Distribution: Companies such as Amazon and Kansas City Southern play pivotal roles in logistics and supply chain operations.
• Business and Professional Services: Opportunities in corporate services, finance, and logistics continue to grow in Kansas. Key companies like GEICO and Garmin play major roles in this sector.

3. Education and Schools in Kansas

Kansas offers top education to its residents with schools and universities being the biggest employer in this area.

• Public Schools: Kansas is home to over 1,300 public schools, which provide high-quality education. Some notable schools include Blue Valley High School and Shawnee Mission East High School, renowned for their academic performance and innovative learning programs.
• Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: Kansas offers specialized magnet and charter schools with a focus on areas such as STEM and the arts. Kansas City International Academy and Wichita Collegiate School, offer unique programs not typically found in traditional public schools.
• Private Schools: Private schools in Kansas, like St. Thomas Aquinas High School, maintain high academic standards. The state supports school choice with programs like the Kansas Tax Credit Scholarship, helping families afford private education.
• Higher Education: Kansas has a robust higher education system with public universities and numerous private colleges. The University of Kansas and Kansas State University are two biggest universities in the state.

Cost of Moving to Kansas 💲

There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to KS.

1. Moving Costs ~ $450 to $4,000

Moving to KS involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.

• Kansas movers typically cost $110 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
• If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.

👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLScompany to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Kansas.

2. Utility Expenses ~ $400 to $500 Per Month

Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Kansas.

• When moving to KS, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in Kansas is around $115/month.
• You will have to register your vehicle in Kansas. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in KS is around $40.

3. Housing Costs

Housing costs in the Sunflower State can vary depending on your location.

• In popular cities like Wichita, Kansas City, and Overland Park, you can rent between $906 to $1,459 on average.
• However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Kansas in your budget. Homes in cities like Kansas City cost a median $187K, while those in Wichita cost $196,225.

3 Things to Know Before Moving to Kansas💡

Before you pack your bags for the Sunflower State, here are three essential things to know that can impact your decision.

1. Weather Conditions

Kansas frequently experiences severe weather, particularly tornadoes, from April to June, with a peak around May 22-23. While not affected by hurricanes, the state sees thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes. Residents should prepare emergency kits and consider hazard insurance to mitigate storm damage

2. Wildlife and Nature

Kansas hosts a variety of wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and insects, especially near water bodies. It is advisable to stay cautious near rivers and water areas, especially at night, to avoid encountering these creatures.

2. Local Laws and Regulations

Kansas enforces specific driving laws. This includes requiring all traffic to stop when a school bus displays its stop sign, even on roads with multiple lanes.

Additionally, Kansas has a “shall-issue” policy for concealed carry permits. This means residents who meet eligibility criteria can carry a concealed weapon.

4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Kansas ✅

Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.

1. Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
2. Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to KS, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
3. Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Kansas neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
4. Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.

Is Moving to Kansas a Good Idea?

Moving to Kansas offers a range of benefits, from its quality education and lower cost of living to a robust job market. The state appeals to diverse lifestyles, whether you’re seeking economic opportunities, top-notch education, or outdoor activities.

However, it’s essential to be prepared for the unique challenges, like tornado seasons and local wildlife. With thoughtful planning, moving to Kansas can be a rewarding decision, providing a vibrant and affordable lifestyle in the Sunflower State.

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