Moving to Kansas: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Kansas, you’re not alone. The Sunflower State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Wichita and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Kansas, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Kansas to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Kansas
Like any big move, relocating to Kansas comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Sunflower State to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of living in KS
- ✓Delicious barbecue
- ✓Low cost housing
- ✓Cheap living
- ✓Four season living
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
Cons of living in KS
- ✖Extreme weather
- ✖Dull landscape
- ✖High taxes
- ✖Lack of public transportation
- ✖Remote small-town lifestyle
Things to do in Kansas
Whether you’re moving to Kansas work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Kansas has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.
You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.
Popular Attractions in Kansas
- Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
- Sedgwick County Zoo
- Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
- Boot Hill Museum
- Kansas State Capitol
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum
- Fort Larned National Historic Site
- Monument Rocks (Chalk Pyramids)
- Schlitterbahn Waterparks and Resorts
- Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Museums in Kansas
- Evel Knievel Museum
- Old Cowtown Museum
- Boot Hill Museum
- Exploration Place
- Flint Hills Discovery Center
- Museum of World Treasures
- Rolling Hills Zoo
- Strataca
- Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Allen House
Parks in Kansas
- Ernie Miller Nature Center
- Coronado Heights
- Lewis & Clark Historic Park at Kaw Point
- Black Hoof Park and Lake Lenexa
- Gezer Park
- Gage Park
- Mill Creek Streamway Park
- Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park
- Clinton State Park
- High Park
Fun facts about Kansas
Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.
These fun facts about Kansas, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- Newcomers to the state frequently speak of feeling overwhelmed by the friendliness of Kansans. Everyone seems to be filled with profound Kansas pride and prepared to display it through homegrown hospitality.
- Built in 1939, the Rock Island Railroad bridge is located North of Arkalon. It has been dubbed, the “Sampson of the Cimarron.” It is perhaps the longest known railroad bridge and spans more than 1200 feet across the Cimarron River. It towers approximately 114 feet above the river.
- Within the United States, The Hugoton Gas Field is the biggest natural gas field. It is approximately 8500 square miles, which is almost 5 times the size of Rhode Island.
- Located in Greensburg, The Big Well is known as the largest hand-dug well in the world. In 1987, workers dug the well using hand tools and the end result is a well 32 feet in diameter and 109 feet deep.
- Omar Knedik, owner of the Coffeyville Dairy Queen, made the first Icee drink in the 1960s. It was such a hit that Knedik had a particular machine developed to serve the Icee.
- The first ever Payless Shoe Store was in Topeka. Established in 1956, Payless began selling quality shoes at an affordable value price.
- This is one of the most interesting facts about Kansas. In 1958 in the city of Wichita, two brothers opened the first Pizza Hut. They were attending college and wanted somewhere to eat good pizza. The chain now has more than 13,000 locations globally.
- In 1921 in Wichita, Walter Anderson opened White Castle hamburger restaurant, which is the first national hamburger chain.
- Amelia Earhart was from Atchison and is a renowned pioneer. She was the first woman to be granted a pilot’s license and the first woman to fly over the Atlantic Ocean solo.
Kansas population and demographics
While you’re thinking about relocating to Kansas, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Sunflower State.
A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.
Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.
Understanding who lives in Kansas, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.
| Metric | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Population | 2,940,546 |
| Female | 49.9% |
| Male | 50.1% |
| College graduation rate | 35.4% |
| Political leaning | Republican 57.1%-41.1 |
| Crime index | 24.07 |
Kansas weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Kansas is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Kansas aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF |
| Annual rain | 33″ |
| Annual snow | 15″ |
Income and cost of living in Kansas
A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Kansas.
Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.
These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Kansas and make a confident, informed decision about your move.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($27.6 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($20.2 billion)
- Professional and business services ($18.1 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($13.7 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($11 billion)
- Retail trade ($10.1 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($9.2 billion)
- Transportation and warehousing ($7.2 billion)
- Information ($6.5 billion)
- Construction ($6.3 billion)
| Metric | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $986 |
| Average home cost | $229,012 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,747 |
| Cost of living index* | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 5.7% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Kansas
If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Kansas has to offer.
Here are some of the top schools in Kansas:
- University of Kansas
- Kansas State University
- Wichita State University
- Fort Hays State University
- Emporia State University
- Pittsburg State University
- Washburn University
- Ottawa University
- Baker University
- Sterling College
- Southwestern College
- Bethel College
- MidAmerica Nazarene University
- Benedictine College
- Friends University
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Kansas
We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Sunflower State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to KS
- Arkansas to KS
- Arizona to KS
- California to KS
- Colorado to KS
- Connecticut to KS
- Delaware to KS
- Florida to KS
- Georgia to KS
- Iowa to KS
- Idaho to KS
- Illinois to KS
- Indiana to KS
- Kentucky to KS
- Louisiana to KS
- Massachusetts to KS
- Maryland to KS
- Maine to KS
- Michigan to KS
- Minnesota to KS
- Missouri to KS
- Mississippi to KS
- Montana to KS
- North Carolina to KS
- North Dakota to KS
- Nebraska to KS
- New Hampshire to KS
- New Jersey to KS
- New Mexico to KS
- Nevada to KS
- New York to KS
- Ohio to KS
- Oklahoma to KS
- Oregon to KS
- Pennsylvania to KS
- Rhode Island to KS
- South Carolina to KS
- South Dakota to KS
- Tennessee to KS
- Texas to KS
- Utah to KS
- Virginia to KS
- Vermont to KS
- Washington to KS
- Wisconsin to KS
- West Virginia to KS
- Wyoming to KS
Cost of moving to Kansas
Before you take the leap to Kansas, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.
The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.
To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.
Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.
But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Kansas
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Kansas.
Kansas car insurance requirements
Kansas drivers license requirements
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