FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Kansas?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,076 – $3,206 | $707 – $1,723 | $443 – $869 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,905 – $5,188 | $1,177 – $2,266 | $483 – $1,011 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,561 – $7,678 | $1,604 – $2,991 | $579 – $1,245 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,076 – $3,206
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,905 – $5,188
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,561 – $7,678
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Kansas?
- Small move: $707 – $1,723
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,177 – $2,266
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,604 – $2,991
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $443 – $869
- 2–3 bedrooms: $483 – $1,011
- 4+ bedrooms: $579 – $1,245
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 611-mile move from IL to KS using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to KS?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $986 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $229,012 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $69,747 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.4% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 8.65% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 5.7% |
Will rent be more expensive in Kansas?
Rent is about 16% lower in Kansas than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $986
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 8% lower in Kansas than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $229,012
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 11% lower in Kansas than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $69,747
Is the overall cost of living higher in Kansas?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Kansas.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 87
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Illinois and Kansas.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 8.65%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 15% higher in Kansas than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 5.7%
How is daily life different in Kansas compared to Illinois?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Kansas | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,940,546 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 57.1%-41.1 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 33″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 15″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 24.07 | 19.7 |
Will Kansas feel more crowded than Illinois?
Kansas is about 77% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Kansas voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (19°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Kansas?
Rain: Kansas gets less rain (33″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Kansas gets less snow (15 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Kansas safer than Illinois?
Kansas has a higher crime index than Illinois (24.07 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Kansas?
Museums in Kansas
- Evel Knievel Museum
- Old Cowtown Museum
- Boot Hill Museum
- Exploration Place
- Flint Hills Discovery Center
Parks in Kansas
- Ernie Miller Nature Center
- Coronado Heights
- Lewis & Clark Historic Park at Kaw Point
- Black Hoof Park and Lake Lenexa
- Gezer Park
Sports teams in Kansas
- Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
- Wichita Thunder (ECHL)
- Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A Central)
- Kansas Jayhawks (NCAA)
- Kansas State Wildcats (NCAA)
Universities in Kansas
- University of Kansas
- Kansas State University
- Wichita State University
- Fort Hays State University
- Emporia State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Kansas move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The state’s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Kansas moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Kansas, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Kansas. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Kansas?
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Kansas?
In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The state’s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Kansas moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Kansas?
No moving permit is required in Kansas, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate moving companies must provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Helpful moving resources
Illinois moving services
Popular Illinois routes
Popular moving resources
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