Factors that influence moving costs from Wichita to Mesa
What to know before moving from Wichita to Mesa
Moving from Wichita to Mesa comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Mesa is generally more expensive than Wichita, 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:
Wichita | Mesa | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $930 | $1,786 |
Average home value | $190,905 | $432,892 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,712 | $64,524 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,107 | $2,416 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,818 | $5,566 |
Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 6.1% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.3% |
State income tax | 5.7% | 2.5% |
- Rent prices in Mesa are 92% higher than in Wichita, which means youโll have less 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 Mesa are 126.8% higher than in Wichita. - Income in Mesa is 6.3% higher than in Wichita, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Mesa, since the cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 14.7% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 4.3% lower than in Wichita.
- The unemployment rate in Mesa is 3.39% higher than in Wichita.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mesa are 10.67% higher than in Wichita.
- One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 56.14% lower than in Wichita.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,439.96 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.
How life is different in Wichita vs. Mesa
Mesa | Wichita | |
---|---|---|
Population | 504,258 | 397,532 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 3 |
Walkability score | 38 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 60 | 44 |
Crime Index | 44.67 | 49.19 |
Safety Index | 55.33 | 50.81 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Mesa's population is about 27% greater than Wichita.
- Mesa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Wichita's lower score of 3.
- Mesa and Wichita are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Wichita, which has a score of 44 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Mesa's crime rate is lower than Wichita with a score of 44.67 compared to Wichita's 49.19. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19%.
- Mesa is considered to be safer than Wichita with a safety index of 55.33 vs Wichita's 50.81.
- Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Wichita it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Wichita vs. Mesa move
- Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โunregulatedโ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Arizona doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Mesa. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโoffered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Mesa
Ready to relocate to ""? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Mesa.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central
- Southwest
- Northwest
- Northeast
- West Central
Best neighborhoods for families
- Red Mountain Ranch
- Superstition Springs
- Eastmark
- Dobson Ranch
- Alta Mesa
Things to do in Mesa
After getting comfortable in your new Arizona home, itโs time to see what Mesa is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Mesa include museums and art centers like the Commemorative Air Force Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Arts Center, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Freestone Park, Riverview Park, and Pioneer Park โ and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Mesa?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Wichita to Mesa. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Wichita.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to Mesa?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Wichita to Mesa, 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 Wichita to Mesa take?
The 997-mile journey from Wichita, KS to Mesa, AZ typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Wichita offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Mesa.