Best overall value
Key factors that influence moving costs from Scottsdale to Wichita
What to know before moving from Scottsdale to Wichita
Moving from Scottsdale to Wichita means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Scottsdale than in Wichita, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Scottsdale compares to Wichita so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Scottsdale | Wichita | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,300 | $930 |
| Average home value | $827,308 | $190,905 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,533 | $60,712 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,753 | $2,107 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,570 | $5,818 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.05% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 5.7% |
- Rent prices in Wichita are 72% lower than in Scottsdale, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
Home prices in Wichita are 76.9% lower than in Scottsdale. - Income in Wichita is 5.9% lower than in Scottsdale, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Wichita include Koch Industries, Spirit AeroSystems, and Via Christi Health.
- The cost of living for a single person in Wichita is 63.4% lower than in Scottsdale. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Wichita, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Wichita is 27.3% higher than in Scottsdale.
- The unemployment rate in Wichita is 25.53% higher than in Scottsdale.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Wichita, since the cityโs sales taxes in Wichita are 6.83% lower than in Scottsdale.
- State income taxes in Wichita are 128.00% higher than in Scottsdale.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,098.73 in Wichita to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Scottsdale.
How life is different in Scottsdale vs. Wichita
| Wichita | Scottsdale | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 397,532 | 241,361 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 32 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 56 |
| Crime Index | 49.19 | 25.8 |
| Safety Index | 50.81 | 74.2 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Wichita is about 65% greater than Scottsdale, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Wichita without a car might be more difficult than in Scottsdale. Wichita has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Scottsdale is ranked 5. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Youโll find Wichita to be about as walkable as Scottsdale. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 35 and 32 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Wichita, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Scottsdale. While Scottsdale has a bike-friendliness score of 56 out of 100, Wichita earned a 44. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Wichita is higher than in Scottsdale, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 49.19 in Wichita, it is 25.8 in Scottsdale. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Wichita. With a crime index of 50.81, Wichita ranks lower in overall safety than Scottsdale, whose index is Scottsdale's 74.2. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Wichita isnโt as good as it is in Scottsdale, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Wichita has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Scottsdale is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Scottsdale vs. Wichita move
- Weather: Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.
- 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: In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The stateโs 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Kansas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Kansas 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 Wichita. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesnโt 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Wichita
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Air Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Wichita.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Sleepy Hollow
- Cottonwood Village
- Delano
- College Hill
- Uptown
Best neighborhoods for families
- College Hill
- Courtland
- Crown Heights
- Sleepy Hollow
- Uptown
Things to do in Wichita
Now that you've made the move to Kansas, itโs the perfect time to explore Wichita. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Wichita, such as the Old Cowtown Museum, Exploration Place, Museum of World Treasures, Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House, and Wichita Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Sedgwick Park, Harrison Park, and Osage Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Wichita Thunder (ECHL), Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A Central), Wichita Wings (MASL 2), or Wichita State University Shockers (NCAA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Wichita?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Scottsdale to Wichita. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Scottsdale.
When is the cheapest time to move from Scottsdale to Wichita?
Because spring and fall moves from Scottsdale to Wichita are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Scottsdale to Wichita take?
Covering 998 miles, the move from Scottsdale, AZ to Wichita, KS typically takes two to seven days. Some Scottsdale movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWichita can help bridge the gap.
