Factors influencing moving costs from Kansas City to Bostontoggle

The cost of Kansas City movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Kansas City to Boston can be as low as $1,388 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,818.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Kansas City, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,038 to $2,615. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Kansas City to Boston

Moving from Kansas City to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Boston is generally more expensive than Kansas City, itโ€™s 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:

Kansas City Boston
Average rent cost $1,300 $3,400
Average home value $233,378 $739,121
Average income (per capita) $64,551 $89,212
Cost of living (single person) $2,473 $4,820
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,361 $11,304
Unemployment rate 5.3% 6.2%
Sales tax 8.4% 6.25%
State income tax 4.8% 9.0%
  • Rent prices in Boston are 162% higher than in Kansas City, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Kansas City.
    Home prices in Boston are 216.7% higher than in Kansas City.
  • Income in Boston is 38.2% higher than in Kansas City, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 94.9% higher than in Kansas City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 77.7% higher than in Kansas City.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston is 16.98% higher than in Kansas City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Boston are 25.60% lower than in Kansas City.
  • State income taxes in Boston are 87.50% higher than in Kansas City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,847.15 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Kansas City.

How life is different in Kansas City vs. Boston

Boston Kansas City
Population 675,647 508,090
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 4
Walkability score 98 35
Bike friendliness score 86 35
Crime Index 39.88 58.4
Safety Index 60.12 42.6
Air Quality Good Good
  • Boston's population is about 33% greater than Kansas City.
  • Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Kansas City's lower score of 4.
  • Boston is more walkable than Kansas City with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Kansas City's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Kansas City, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than Kansas City with a score of 39.88 compared to Kansas City's 58.4. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4%.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than Kansas City with a safety index of 60.12 vs Kansas City's 42.6.
  • Air quality in Boston is good, and in Kansas City it's good.

Other things to consider for your Kansas City vs. Boston move

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • 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: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities โ€“ Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Massachusetts moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Boston. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore 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 Boston

Ready to relocate to "Athens of America"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Boston.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Allston-Brighton
  • Back Bay-Beacon Hill
  • East Boston
  • Jamaica Plain
  • South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Charlestown
  • East Boston
  • Hyde Park
  • Roslindale
  • West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Massachusetts, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Boston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Boston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade 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 Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Boston?

The best time to move from Kansas City to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Kansas City.

When is the cheapest time to move from Kansas City to Boston?

Because most people are moving from Kansas City to Boston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Kansas City to Boston take?

The 1,430-mile move from Kansas City, MO, to Boston, MA, takes three to eight days. Some Kansas City movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.

Helpful moving resources