Key factors that influence moving costs from Baltimore to Wichita
What to know before moving from Baltimore to Wichita
Moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore than in Wichita, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Baltimore compares to Wichita so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Baltimore | Wichita | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $930 |
Average home value | $180,790 | $190,905 |
Average income (per capita) | $58,349 | $60,712 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,223 | $2,107 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,088 | $5,818 |
Unemployment rate | 7.9% | 5.9% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 5.7% |
- Rent prices in Wichita are 42% lower than in Baltimore, 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 Baltimore.
Home prices in Wichita are 5.6% higher than in Baltimore. - Income in Wichita is 4.0% higher than in Baltimore, so you could earn more 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 5.2% lower than in Baltimore. 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 14.3% higher than in Baltimore.
- The unemployment rate in Wichita is 25.32% lower than in Baltimore.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Wichita, since the cityโs sales taxes in Wichita are 25.00% higher than in Baltimore.
- State income taxes are the same in Wichita and Baltimore.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,843.45 in Wichita to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.
How life is different in Baltimore vs. Wichita
Wichita | Baltimore | |
---|---|---|
Population | 397,532 | 585,708 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 64 |
Bike friendliness score | 44 | 53 |
Crime Index | 49.19 | 72.72 |
Safety Index | 50.81 | 27.28 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- Wichita might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 32% less than Baltimore.
- Getting around Wichita without a car might be more difficult than in Baltimore. Wichita has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Baltimore is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Wichita neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Baltimore. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Wichita isnโt as walkable as Baltimore, which has a score of 64 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Wichita, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Baltimore. While Baltimore has a bike-friendliness score of 53 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.
- Wichita has a lower crime rate than Baltimore based on scores of 49.19 and Baltimore's 72.72, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Wichita than in Baltimore, based on Wichitaโs safety index of 50.81 versus 27.28 for Baltimore. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Wichita isnโt as good as it is in Baltimore, 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 Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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: 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: 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Kansas moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Kansas 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 Wichita. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Wichita
Ready to relocate to "Air Capital of the World"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Wichita.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Riverside
- Cottonwood Village
- Delano
- College Hill
- Uptown
Best neighborhoods for families
- College Hill
- Courtland
- Village
- Crown Heights
- Uptown
Things to do in Wichita
After settling into your new Kansas home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Wichita has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Wichita is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Baltimore to Wichita?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Baltimore to Wichita. Youโll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Baltimore.
When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Wichita?
Because spring and fall moves from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Wichita take?
Covering 1,254 miles, the move from Baltimore, MD to Wichita, KS typically takes three to eight days. Some Baltimore movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWichita can help bridge the gap.