($1,509) Movers From Charleston, WV to Kansas City, MO

What to know before moving from Charleston to Kansas City

Moving from Charleston to Kansas City comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Kansas City is generally more expensive than Charleston, it’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:

• Rent prices in Kansas City are 49% higher than in Charleston, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Charleston.
  Home prices in Kansas City are 51.9% higher than in Charleston.
• Income in Kansas City is 8.8% higher than in Charleston, 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 59.7% higher than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re 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 64.7% higher than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 14.52% lower than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Kansas City, since the city’s sales taxes in Kansas City are 20.00% higher than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Kansas City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 26.15% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,789.54 in Kansas City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Kansas City

• Kansas City's population is about 958% greater than Charleston.
• Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 2.
• Kansas City and Charleston are similarily walkable.
• With a score of 35 out of 100, Kansas City is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 28 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Kansas City's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 58.4 compared to Charleston's 53.94. This means that Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 53.94%.
• Kansas City and Charleston are considered to be equally safe.
• Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s 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 company’s license in Missouri, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Missouri doesn’t 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.

Helpful moving resources