Moving from Los Angeles to Wichita: Cost and Tips

Before you make your move from LA to Wichita, know the important factors that may affect the cost of your move.

Sergio Ocampo

Sergio Ocampo is a Chief Writer for moveBuddha keen to share his moving expertise.

Dec 4, 2020 · 7 min

It’s no secret that many Angelinos are making their way inland.

For you, that might mean Wichita!

Sure, you’ll save on housing costs but save on moving to!

Start by asking yourself:

How much will it cost to move from Los Angeles to Wichita?

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Los Angeles to Wichita is $3,200-$4,600 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.

Get an even better idea of your particular moving cost using them moving cost estimator.

Ready to get a full grasp on the factors that affect the cost of your cross country move?

Let’s dive right in.

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Los Angeles to Wichita?

	Moving Company	Moving Container	Freight Company	Truck Rental*
Studio/1 bedroom	$1,880 – $3,190	$1,923 – $2,429	$1,805 – $2,280	$1,118 – $1,509
2-3 Bedroom	$2,970 – $4,632	$2,890 – $3,650	$2,518 – $3,180	$1,306 – $1,763
4+ Bedroom	$3,885 – $6,500	$3,278 – $4,134	$2,850 – $3,600	$1,444 – $1,949

*Pricing above does not include lodging, gas, tolls, and other moving-related expenses.

Why Do The Moving Costs Vary So Much?

Moving rates change daily and trend higher at times. While you cannot control moving prices, you can plan your relocation when rates are the lowest if you know why they fluctuate.

Inbound vs. Outbound Demand

Inbound and outbound demand is a similar concept to supply and demand. In terms of moving rates, the prices are higher when the need is higher. When the market falls, prices follow. However, you ideally want an influx of people moving to your origin city and the number of residents exiting low.

In terms of your new location, inbound demand is not as heavily weighed as outbound demand. If the inbound demand is high and the outbound demand is low, you will receive a better rate because there will be more moving companies in your area looking for a return job.

Likewise, if many people are moving from your new home, the moving company can easily schedule a job on the way out. If a few people are leaving your new home town, moving companies will charge you more because it is less likely that they will be able to book a return gig.

Off vs. Peak Season Moving Expenses

Another thing that affects the moving rates, truck rental prices, and availability of quality movers is whether you are moving in a peak season or the offseason.

Peak pricing times include:

Summer break
Winter holiday
Fall Holiday
Federal holidays
Weekends
During extreme weather conditions
Last-minute moves

As you likely noticed, the peak seasons tend to follow school and federal holidays. When children and adults are out of school and work, it is a great time to move. Summer is undeniably the most popular time of the year for families because it transitions to a new town and school less stressful.

When you move from Los Angeles to Wichita, rates may also be higher if there are landslides, earthquakes, or wildfires going on when you book your relocation. The moving company will have to account for road outages, hazardous conditions, and detours.

Mileage and Gas Prices

The trip from Los Angeles to Wichita is 1,350 miles. When you schedule a cross-country move, the company will likely charge you a mileage charge. Most companies charge you around 60 cents per mile.

Gas prices directly affect mileage fees. When gas prices are low, the moving costs are less expensive. When fuel costs climb, relocation companies have to pass the additional expense to you to remain profitable.

Weight

Some moving companies charge you per pound instead of per mile or hourly. Most companies charge around 75 cents per pound. However, per pound rates are subject to fluctuations as well.

Additional Factors That Affect Moving Fees

In addition to how much you are moving, the distance, your move-in date, and how far in advance you schedule your move, some other things add to your overall moving expense.

You must consider each of these items. Moving to a new city always has its own set of challenges. So, it is best to plan your move carefully, so you avoid any last-minute surprises or expenses.

When You Book Your Move

Experts suggest that you schedule at least four to eight weeks in advance when it comes to booking movers. If you follow that guideline, you should have plenty of time to find a company you like.

Supplies

When you move, you need supplies. It is evident that you will need boxes and packing tape. However, there are a few less obvious items. Here is a list of the extras you will need to purchase from an outside vendor if you want to keep your moving costs down.

Moving blankets
Storage space
Tie downs
An appliance dolly
Locks

Hiring Professional Movers

Full-service companies offer packing, transporting, unpacking, and other services. Having professional movers to pack and unpack for you is the most costly way to move. The more movers you need, the higher the hourly rate you will pay.
Here are the average rates per hour:

$105 for two movers
$135 for three movers
$155 for four movers

Paying for Peace of Mind

Most moving companies provide some essential protection if a worker loses or damages your possessions. However, the free basic coverage generally follows state requirements, which tend to be around 60 cents per pound.

Try replacing your new iPad with a $700 price tag that weighs less than a pound and a half with the 60 cents per pound worth of coverage your moving company provides. The drive from Los Angeles to Wichita is long, and anything could happen along the way. That is why many movers choose to invest in a Personal Property Protection Policy.

These policies cost around one percent of the total value of the items you are insuring. So, if you have an art collection and custom furniture for $150,000, your policy will likely run around $1,500.

Why Are People Moving from Los Angeles to Wichita?

Los Angeles is a beautiful city with a lot to offer natives and migrants. However, there are a lot of people leaving California, as well.

Lower Cost of Living

The cost of living in Wichita is significantly less in almost every category than in Los Angeles. The average cost for homes in Los Angeles is nearly $700,000, while Wichita’s median prices are just $116,000.

Culture and Amenities

Los Angeles is a diverse cultural city with residents from all walks of life. Wichita does not share the same melting pot feel you get in Los Angeles. Life in Cowtown has its own set of advantages, though. The lifestyle is more laid back in Wichita.

It is a great town to raise a family because there are parks, nature trails, botanical gardens, and zoos. Some of the top attractions in Wichita include:

Old Cowtown Museum
Botanica, The Wichita Garden
Sedgwick County Zoo
Museum of World Treasures
The Keeper of the Plains
Great Plains Nature Center
Wichita Art Museum
And more!

The Lifestyle

Los Angeles has a population of 3.99 million people. Wichita has just ten percent of that with 389,000. When you move from Los Angeles to ‘Doo Dah,’ a name some people believe was given to the city because the residents have a laid back approach to life, it takes some adjustment.

Wichita’s lifestyle is much simpler, stores close earlier, and there are not as many bars, clubs, and late-night eateries, but if you are looking to live a healthier life and reduce your stress, Wichita might be an ideal place for your family.

Job Opportunities

Wichita has good job opportunities across several industries. However, there are a few fields that are easier to land gigs in:

Education
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Agriculture
Transportation
Trade
Utilities

These are the top fields, but finding a job should be pretty straightforward even if you do not work in one of these.

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What Are Some of the Best Places to Move to in Wichita?

Wichita is a lovely city to call ‘home,’ but your quality of life will depend on the part of town you decide to live in. If you end up in an area that is not a good match for you, it could give you a skewed impression of your new home town.

So, here is a list of some of the top neighborhoods in the mid-western city. Take a look at these to choose which one best fits your personality, lifestyle, and housing needs.

College Hill

Densely-populated, College Hill’s historic neighborhood consists mostly of single-family residential properties. Sixty-six percent of the residents own their homes, and they take pride in their properties. Average home prices are $163,000, and monthly rent in the area is around $935.

Crown Heights

Crown Heights has a similar feel to College Hill, but it is less populated with over 1,100 residents. Schools in the area are exemplary.

The schools draw many families with school-aged children. However, there is also a nightlife scene in Crown Heights that attracts a younger crowd.

Median home prices in Crown Heights are in the low-$100s, and rent starts at $900 per month.

Riverside

Riverside is another quiet neighborhood with numerous single-family homes and some apartment buildings. Average home prices in Riverside start around $100s, and they go up to the $400s. Rental units tend to be a bit more affordable, though, with the average rent being just $735 per month.

On the downside, the schools do not rank as well as other parts of the city. However, if your family is living on a budget or saving to make the dream of becoming a homeowner a reality, Riverside is a fine place.

East Front

There are 1,319 residents in East Front, another quaint Wichita neighborhood with phenomenal schools and affordable housing. Median home prices in East Front are just $90,301, and apartments are a budget-friendly $702 per month.
More than half of the East Front population owns a home, and with the incredible real estate deals, you can sell your California home and buy a couple of houses in Wichita.