Moving to Kansas: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Thinking about relocating to Kansas? You’re not alone. The Sunflower State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Wichita or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.

There’s plenty to love about Kansas, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.

We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to Kansas to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Jump to the Kansas information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to KS
Top car shippers to KS
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Kansas

Moving to Kansas comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Sunflower State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Kansas

✓Delicious barbecue
✓Low cost housing
✓Cheap living
✓Four season living
✓Ample economic opportunity

Cons of living in Kansas

✖Extreme weather
✖Dull landscape
✖High taxes
✖Lack of public transportation
✖Remote small-town lifestyle

Things to do in Kansas

Whether you’re moving to Kansas for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Kansas is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..

If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Kansas

Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
Sedgwick County Zoo
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
Boot Hill Museum
Kansas State Capitol
Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Monument Rocks (Chalk Pyramids)
Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Museums in Kansas

Evel Knievel Museum
Old Cowtown Museum
Boot Hill Museum
Exploration Place
Flint Hills Discovery Center
Museum of World Treasures
Rolling Hills Zoo
Strataca
Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House

Parks in Kansas

Ernie Miller Nature Center
Coronado Heights
Lewis & Clark Historic Park at Kaw Point
Black Hoof Park and Lake Lenexa
Gezer Park
Gage Park
Mill Creek Streamway Park
Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park
Clinton State Park
High Park

Fun facts about Kansas

Each state has its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really like.

These fun facts about Kansas, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

Newcomers to the state frequently speak of feeling overwhelmed by the friendliness of Kansans. Everyone seems to be filled with profound Kansas pride and prepared to display it through homegrown hospitality.
Built in 1939, the Rock Island Railroad bridge is located North of Arkalon. It has been dubbed, the “Sampson of the Cimarron.” It is perhaps the longest known railroad bridge and spans more than 1200 feet across the Cimarron River. It towers approximately 114 feet above the river.
Within the United States, The Hugoton Gas Field is the biggest natural gas field. It is approximately 8500 square miles, which is almost 5 times the size of Rhode Island.
Located in Greensburg, The Big Well is known as the largest hand-dug well in the world. In 1987, workers dug the well using hand tools and the end result is a well 32 feet in diameter and 109 feet deep.
Omar Knedik, owner of the Coffeyville Dairy Queen, made the first Icee drink in the 1960s. It was such a hit that Knedik had a particular machine developed to serve the Icee.
The first ever Payless Shoe Store was in Topeka. Established in 1956, Payless began selling quality shoes at an affordable value price.
This is one of the most interesting facts about Kansas. In 1958 in the city of Wichita, two brothers opened the first Pizza Hut. They were attending college and wanted somewhere to eat good pizza. The chain now has more than 13,000 locations globally.
In 1921 in Wichita, Walter Anderson opened White Castle hamburger restaurant, which is the first national hamburger chain.
Amelia Earhart was from Atchison and is a renowned pioneer. She was the first woman to be granted a pilot’s license and the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean solo.

Kansas population and demographics

As you consider making the move to Kansas, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the Sunflower State is all about.

If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.

Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.

Knowing who calls Kansas home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.

Metric	Kansas
Population	2,940,546
Female	49.9%
Male	50.1%
College graduation rate	35.4%
Political leaning	Republican 57.1%-41.1
Crime index	24.07

Kansas weather

Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Kansas is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.

If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what Kansas’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.

Metric	Kansas
Summer high	91ºF
Winter low	19ºF
Annual rain	33″
Annual snow	15″

Income and cost of living in Kansas

Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in Kansas can be.

Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what Kansas has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($27.6 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($20.2 billion)
Professional and business services ($18.1 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($13.7 billion)
Wholesale trade ($11 billion)
Retail trade ($10.1 billion)
Finance and insurance ($9.2 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($7.2 billion)
Information ($6.5 billion)
Construction ($6.3 billion)

Metric	Kansas
Average rent cost	$986
Average home cost	$229,012
Average income (per capita)	$69,747
Cost of living index*	87
Unemployment rate	3.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	5.7%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Kansas

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.

If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—Kansas is a smart place to consider.

Here are some of the top schools in Kansas:

University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Wichita State University
Fort Hays State University
Emporia State University
Pittsburg State University
Washburn University
Ottawa University
Baker University
Sterling College
Southwestern College
Bethel College
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Benedictine College
Friends University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Kansas

We’ve reviewed 2,756 moving companies, with 18 being in Kansas, and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Sunflower State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Kansas

Before making your move to Kansas, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.

Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.

For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.

Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Kansas

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Kansas.

Kansas car insurance requirements

Kansas requires all drivers to have car insurance. The minimum coverage is $25,000 for single-person injuries, $50,000 for total injuries in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Kansas drivers license requirements

New residents in Kansas must get a driver’s license and register their vehicle within 90 days of moving to the state.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Kansas?

Moving to Kansas is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Kansas is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Kansas?

On the cost of living index, Kansas has a score of 87. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Kansas?

The average income in KS is $69,747, and the an unemployment rate is 3.4. Home prices are $229,012, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $986.

What is the downside of living in Kansas?

Like any place, Kansas has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Sunflower State include:

Extreme weather
Dull landscape
High taxes
Lack of public transportation
Remote small-town lifestyle

Kansas Moving Resources

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