Factors that influence moving costs from Mobile to Kansas City
What to know before moving from Mobile to Kansas City
Moving from Mobile to Kansas City comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Kansas City is generally more expensive than Mobile, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Mobile | Kansas City | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $186,159 | $233,378 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,962 | $64,551 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,825 | $2,473 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,104 | $6,361 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.3% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 8.4% |
State income tax | 5.0% | 4.8% |
- Rent prices are the same in Kansas City and Mobile.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
Home prices in Kansas City are 25.4% higher than in Mobile. - Income in Kansas City is 4.2% higher than in Mobile, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Kansas City include Public School System, Federal Government, and State/County/City Government.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Kansas City, since the cost of living for a single person in Kansas City is 35.5% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Kansas City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Kansas City is 55.0% higher than in Mobile.
- The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 14.52% lower than in Mobile.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Kansas City, since the cityโs sales taxes in Kansas City are 16.00% lower than in Mobile.
- One perk of moving to Kansas City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 4.00% lower than in Mobile.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,065.21 in Kansas City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Kansas City
Kansas City | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Population | 508,090 | 187,041 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 3 |
Walkability score | 35 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 34 |
Crime Index | 58.4 | 64.95 |
Safety Index | 42.6 | 35.05 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Kansas City's population is about 172% greater than Mobile.
- Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Mobile's lower score of 3.
- Kansas City and Mobile are similarily walkable.
- Both Kansas City and Mobile have the same bike-friendliness score of 34 out of 100, meaning Kansas City is about as safe for cyclists as Mobile. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Kansas City's crime rate is lower than Mobile with a score of 58.4 compared to Mobile's 64.95. This means that Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95%.
- Kansas City is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 42.6 vs Mobile's 35.05.
- Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in Mobile it's good.
Other things to consider for your Mobile vs. Kansas City move
- Weather: Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Missouri does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Kansas City. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Kansas City
Now that you've decided to make the move to "KC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Kansas City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- River Market
- Union Hill
- Volker
- West Plaza
- West Waldo
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armour Hills
- Brookside
- Sunset Hill
- Volker
- Waldo
Things to do in Kansas City
Once youโre settled into your new home in Missouri, itโs time to get out and discover what Kansas City has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Kansas City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and Union Station.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, Loose Park, Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, and Line Creek Trail โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting Kansas City (MLS), or Sporting Kansas City II (MLS Next Pro) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Kansas City?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Mobile to Kansas City. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Mobile.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Kansas City?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Mobile to Kansas City, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Mobile to Kansas City take?
The 831-mile journey from Mobile, AL to Kansas City, MO typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Mobile offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Kansas City.