Factors that influence moving costs from Milwaukee to Kansas City
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Kansas City
Moving from Milwaukee to Kansas City comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Kansas City is generally more expensive than Milwaukee, 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:
Milwaukee | Kansas City | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $200,685 | $233,378 |
Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $64,551 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,022 | $2,473 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,963 | $6,361 |
Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.3% |
Sales tax | 4.9% | 8.4% |
State income tax | 7.65% | 4.8% |
- Rent prices in Kansas City are 4% higher than in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee.
Home prices in Kansas City are 16.3% higher than in Milwaukee. - Income in Kansas City is 29.8% higher than in Milwaukee, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Kansas City include Public School System, Federal Government, and State/County/City Government.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Kansas City, since the cost of living for a single person in Kansas City is 22.3% higher than in Milwaukee. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Kansas City, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Kansas City is 28.2% higher than in Milwaukee.
- The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 28.38% lower than in Milwaukee.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Kansas City, since the cityโs sales taxes in Kansas City are 71.43% higher than in Milwaukee.
- One perk of moving to Kansas City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 37.25% lower than in Milwaukee.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,669.14 in Kansas City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Kansas City
Kansas City | Milwaukee | |
---|---|---|
Population | 508,090 | 577,222 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 62 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 58 |
Crime Index | 58.4 | 66.76 |
Safety Index | 42.6 | 33.24 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Kansas City's population is about 12% less than Milwaukee.
- Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Milwaukee's higher score of 8.
- Kansas City is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 out of 100.
- Kansas City has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Milwaukee, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
- Kansas City's crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 58.4 compared to Milwaukee's 66.76. This means that Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Kansas City is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 42.6 vs Milwaukee's 33.24.
- Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in Milwaukee it's good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee vs. Kansas City move
- Weather: Kansas City is in an area of the country with a lot of storms, very hot summers, and very cold winters. Therefore, there's chance that your move will be affected by the weather. Check the forecast ahead of time to plan accordingly. Remember, moves often require spending many hours outdoors.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Missouri, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Missouri doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Kansas City without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Kansas City
With your sights set on "KC", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Kansas City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- River Market
- Union Hill
- Volker
- West Plaza
- West Waldo
Best neighborhoods for families
- Armour Hills
- Brookside
- Sunset Hill
- Volker
- Waldo
Things to do in Kansas City
Once youโre settled into your new home in Missouri, itโs time to get out and discover what Kansas City has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Kansas City features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, National World War I Museum and Memorial, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and Union Station.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, Loose Park, Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, and Line Creek Trail 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 Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Kansas City Royals (MLB), Sporting Kansas City (MLS), or Sporting Kansas City II (MLS Next Pro) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Kansas City?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Milwaukee to Kansas City. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Kansas City?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Milwaukee to Kansas City, 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 Milwaukee to Kansas City take?
The 567-mile journey from Milwaukee, WI to Kansas City, MO typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Milwaukee offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Kansas City.