Kansas City to St. Louis Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from Kansas City to St. Louis, MO (~247 miles) typically costs $283 - $5,978, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Local movers such as Moving Proz, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 290 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $113/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Kansas City
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Kansas City to St. Louis?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Kansas City to St. Louis are regulated by Missouri law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Missouri intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Missouri companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Moving Proz (4.58/5) as the top local pick, followed by Bellhop Moving (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Kansas City to St. Louis moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 54+ Missouri movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Kansas City to St. Louis?
Moving from Kansas City to St. Louis costs between $283 and $5,978*, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
The breakdown below shows what each moving service typically runs, depending on your home size:
- Full-service movers: $984 - $5,978
- Moving containers: $861 - $2,614
- Rental trucks: $283 - $737
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the heavy lifting to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving and either do the heavy lifting yourself or hire moving labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $984 - $3,536 | $861 - $1,527 | $283 - $545 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,478 - $4,328 | $1,055 - $2,095 | $329 - $607 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,100 - $5,978 | $1,403 - $2,614 | $382 - $737 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 54+ Missouri moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Kansas City, MO movers.
How Kansas City to St. Louis moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $113 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,354.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 44% of Kansas City movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 28% of Kansas City movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Moving Proz |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Kansas City to St. Louis
Moving from Kansas City to St. Louis is a job for local and regional Missouri movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Moving Proz leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.58 out of 5 stars across 290 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Kansas City to St. Louis
Local movers operating within Missouri know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Moving Proz (4.58/5 stars): 87.6% positive customer ratings.
- Bellhop Moving (4.5/5 stars): 55.6% positive customer ratings.
- A Friend With A Truck Movers (4.44/5 stars): 83.2% positive customer ratings.
- Metro Wide Movers, LLC (4.64/5 stars): 87.5% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.44/5 stars): 73.0% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 25 movers in Kansas City, drawing on 22,436 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Kansas City to St. Louis
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Kansas City, MO
Kansas City residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Missouri moving resources
How does St. Louis compare to Kansas City?
Cost of living: Kansas City vs. St. Louis
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Kansas City | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $223,324 | $180,206 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,449 | $55,279 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,361 | $6,573 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 6.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.4% | 9.68% |
Cost-of-living data for Kansas City and St. Louis comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 54+ Missouri moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in St. Louis match Kansas City. Plan to allocate the same share of income toward housing after the move.
- Home prices in St. Louis are 19% lower than Kansas City. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in St. Louis is 18% lower than Kansas City. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in St. Louis matches Kansas City. A Kansas City budget translates directly to St. Louis without revision.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in St. Louis matches Kansas City. Household budgets carry over without restructuring after the move.
- Unemployment in St. Louis runs 19% higher than Kansas City. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in St. Louis are 15% higher than Kansas City. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,150 in St. Louis to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Kansas City.
How life is different in Kansas City vs. St. Louis
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in St. Louis might look different from Kansas City in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Kansas City | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,090 | 293,310 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 60-37 | Republican 58-42 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 23ºF |
| Annual rain | 42" | 42" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 16" |
| Crime index | 58.4 | 69.65 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Missouri can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 30% of movers in Missouri, vs 33% nationally).
- St. Louis is 42% smaller in size than Kansas City. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, St. Louis voted Republican and Kansas City voted Democrat.
- Summer highs in St. Louis (89°F) match Kansas City (89°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Kansas City (20°F) and St. Louis (23°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Kansas City (42 inches) and St. Louis (42 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Kansas City (15 inches) and St. Louis (16 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in St. Louis (69.65) is higher than Kansas City (58.4). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in St. Louis
St. Louis offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in St. Louis
- City Museum
- Saint Louis Art Museum
- The Magic House
- Saint Louis Science Center
- Missouri History Museum
Parks in St. Louis
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- St. Louis Zoo
- Forest Park
- Lone Elk Park
- Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
Sports teams in St. Louis
- St. Louis Cardinals Baseball (MLB)
- St. Louis Blues (NHL)
- St. Louis City SC (MLS)
- St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL)
Universities in St. Louis
- University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Saint Louis University
- St. Louis Community College
- Harris–Stowe State University
Final verdict: Kansas City to St. Louis movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Missouri service. For smaller moves, Moving Proz (4.58/5) is the top local choice, with 87.6% positive reviews across 290 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $283 - $5,978, based on our analysis of 54+ Missouri movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Kansas City to St. Louis
How far in advance should I book Kansas City-to-St. Louis movers?
Book your Kansas City to St. Louis movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Kansas City to St. Louis?
A full-service move from Kansas City to St. Louis costs $839 - $2,933 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,478 - $4,328, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $2,100 - $5,978.
What percentage of Kansas City movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 64% of movers in Kansas City handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to St. Louis?
The cheapest time to move to St. Louis is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
How much are moving container companies from Kansas City to St. Louis?
Moving containers from Kansas City to St. Louis cost $612 - $1,470 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $1,055 - $2,095, and a larger home costs $1,403 - $2,614.
