Moving from St. Louis to Kansas City, MO
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Quick answer: Moving from St. Louis to Kansas City costs $335–$6,861, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 247-mile route within Missouri take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 55+ Missouri moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from St. Louis to Kansas City?
Moving from St. Louis to Kansas City doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 247-mile move:
Moving from St. Louis to Kansas City costs between $335 and $6,861, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 247-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,730–$5,327 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,249–$2,404 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $378–$754 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $145/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 55+ Missouri movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from St. Louis to Kansas City?
Moving from St. Louis to Kansas City costs between $335 and $6,861, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 247-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,097–$6,861
- Moving containers: $957–$3,214
- Rental trucks: $335–$862
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves bundle packing, loading, transport, and unloading into one price. Professional packing alone tacks on $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers shift the loading and unloading work to you, which is where most of the savings come from.
- Rental trucks cut costs roughly 30% versus full-service, but you handle the driving for 247 miles and bring your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,097–$4,141 | $957–$1,805 | $335–$619 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,730–$5,327 | $1,249–$2,404 | $378–$754 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,338–$6,861 | $1,779–$3,214 | $457–$862 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 55+ Missouri moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a St. Louis to Kansas City move?
The most common extra fees on a St. Louis to Kansas City move are professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. Most initial quotes leave these out, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price once layered in.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $145/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from St. Louis to Kansas City
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from St. Louis to Kansas City, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 247 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from St. Louis to Kansas City. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Missouri, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 247 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More Missouri moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Kansas City to St. Louis guide.
How does Kansas City compare to St. Louis?
Cost of living: St. Louis vs. Kansas City
Cost-of-living differences between St. Louis and Kansas City extend past housing. Rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends all matter. The data below gives you a clear picture of how living in Kansas City compares to St. Louis.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| St. Louis | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| Average home cost | $180,206 | $223,324 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,279 | $67,449 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,589 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,573 | $6,361 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 9.68% | 8.4% |
Cost-of-living data for St. Louis and Kansas City comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 55+ Missouri cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Kansas City are comparable to St. Louis, so a same-size unit costs roughly what you pay now.
- Home prices in Kansas City are 24% higher than St. Louis. Plan for a larger down payment, higher monthly carry, and a longer path to comparable home equity.
- Average income in Kansas City is 22% higher than St. Louis. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Daily expenses for one person are similar in St. Louis and Kansas City. Groceries, transit, and utilities track in line with your current spend.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Kansas City matches St. Louis. Household budgets carry over without restructuring after the move.
- Unemployment in Kansas City runs 16% lower than St. Louis. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Kansas City are 13% lower than St. Louis. Time big-ticket purchases for after the move when possible.
If you live on $3,000 a month in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $2,880 to maintain the same lifestyle in Kansas City.
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Kansas City
Life in Kansas City compared to St. Louis differs across weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population. The side-by-side breakdown below helps you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| St. Louis | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 508,090 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Democrat 60-37 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 23ºF | 20ºF |
| Annual rain | 42" | 42" |
| Annual snow | 16" | 15" |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 58.4 |
- Kansas City is 73% larger in size than St. Louis. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, Kansas City leaned Democrat, while St. Louis leaned Republican.
- Summer highs in Kansas City (89°F) match St. Louis (89°F). Cooling costs should run at comparable levels.
- Winter lows in St. Louis (23°F) and Kansas City (20°F) are nearly identical. No major shift in winter lifestyle is required.
- Annual rainfall in St. Louis (42 inches) and Kansas City (42 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall is similar in St. Louis (16 inches) and Kansas City (15 inches). Winter expense planning translates directly.
- Crime index in Kansas City (58.4) is lower than St. Louis (69.65). Lower crime rates usually accompany lower insurance premiums and a broader housing search.
Things to do in Kansas City
Kansas City offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and university campuses. The categories below highlight standout destinations in each.
Museums in Kansas City
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- National World War I Museum and Memorial
- Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
- Union Station
Parks in Kansas City
- The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
- Loose Park
- Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site
- Line Creek Trail
- Mill Creek Park
Sports teams in Kansas City
- Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
- Kansas City Royals (MLB)
- Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
- Sporting Kansas City II (MLS Next Pro)
- Kansas City Current (NWSL)
Universities in Kansas City
- University of Missouri–Kansas City
- Rockhurst University
- Kansas City Art Institute
- Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
- Avila University
Final verdict: best movers from St. Louis to Kansas City
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from St. Louis to Kansas City, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Missouri service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $335–$6,861 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 55+ Missouri movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from St. Louis to Kansas City
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from St. Louis to Kansas City?
A full-service move from St. Louis to Kansas City costs $963–$3,642 for a few items or a small bedroom. The cost to move a 2–3 bedroom home ranges from $1,730 to $5,327, and a 4-bedroom move or larger from St. Louis to Kansas City costs from $2,338 to $6,861.
How much are moving container companies from St. Louis to Kansas City?
Moving containers from St. Louis to Kansas City cost $737–$1,620 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedrooms, costs typically fall between $1,249 and $2,404. For 4–5 bedroom homes, expect to pay $1,779–$3,214.
How much is a moving truck from St. Louis to Kansas City?
A rental moving truck from St. Louis to Kansas City costs $356–$601 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $378–$754. A 4-bedroom or larger move runs $457–$862.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option, with the driving and heavy lifting handled by you. Estimated fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book St. Louis-to-Kansas City movers?
Book your movers for a St. Louis to Kansas City move at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, secure your reservation 3 months ahead. Early booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date and can help you snag lower rates. Some companies throw in early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Kansas City?
The cheapest moving deals to Kansas City fall between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means lower spending and an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
