Key factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Wichitatoggle

The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Philadelphia to Wichita might cost just $1,391 for a one-bedroom, but up to $9,000 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Philadelphia, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $965 and $2,397, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Wichita

Moving from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia than in Wichita, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Philadelphia compares to Wichita so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Philadelphia Wichita
Average rent cost $1,695 $930
Average home value $216,914 $190,905
Average income (per capita) $70,746 $60,712
Cost of living (single person) $2,541 $2,107
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,190 $5,818
Unemployment rate 10.6% 5.9%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.5%
State income tax 3.07% 5.7%
  • Rent prices in Wichita are 45% lower than in Philadelphia, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
    Home prices in Wichita are 12.0% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • Income in Wichita is 14.2% lower than in Philadelphia, 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 17.1% lower than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Wichita is 6.0% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Wichita is 44.34% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Wichita, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Wichita are 6.25% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • State income taxes in Wichita are 85.67% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,487.60 in Wichita to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Wichita

Wichita Philadelphia
Population 397,532 1,603,797
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 9
Walkability score 35 75
Bike friendliness score 44 67
Crime Index 49.19 66.09
Safety Index 50.81 33.91
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Wichita might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 75% less than Philadelphia.
  • Getting around Wichita without a car might be more difficult than in Philadelphia. Wichita has a public transportation score of 3 out of 10, whereas Philadelphia is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s 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 Philadelphia. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Wichita isnโ€™t as walkable as Philadelphia, which has a score of 75 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 wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Wichita, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Philadelphia. While Philadelphia has a bike-friendliness score of 67 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 Philadelphia based on scores of 49.19 and Philadelphia's 66.09, 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 Philadelphia, based on Wichitaโ€™s safety index of 50.81 versus 33.91 for Philadelphia. 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 isnโ€™t as good as it is in Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • State licensing: In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The stateโ€™s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kansas moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Kansas, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toWichita Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesnโ€™t 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Wichita

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Air Capital of the World" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Wichita to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Riverside
  • Cottonwood Village
  • Delano
  • College Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

  • College Hill
  • Courtland
  • Village
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Uptown

Things to do in Wichita

Now that you've made the move to Kansas, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Wichita. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll 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 cityโ€™s 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 Philadelphia to Wichita?

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Philadelphia to Wichita. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Philadelphia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Wichita?

Because spring and fall moves from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Wichita take?

Covering 1,318 miles, the move from Philadelphia, PA to Wichita, KS typically takes three to eight days. Some Philadelphia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inWichita can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources