Factors that influence moving costs from Little Rock to Kansas Citytoggle

The cost of Little Rock movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Little Rock to Kansas City might cost as little as $1,260, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,552.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Little Rock, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $458 to $1,105. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Little Rock to Kansas City

Moving from Little Rock to Kansas City comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Kansas City is generally more expensive than Little Rock, itโ€™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:

Little Rock Kansas City
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,300
Average home value $209,020 $233,378
Average income (per capita) $56,928 $64,551
Cost of living (single person) $1,756 $2,473
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,149 $6,361
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.3%
Sales tax 8.63% 8.4%
State income tax 2.0% 4.8%
  • Rent prices in Kansas City are 18% higher than in Little Rock, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Little Rock.
    Home prices in Kansas City are 11.7% higher than in Little Rock.
  • Income in Kansas City is 13.4% higher than in Little Rock, 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 40.8% higher than in Little Rock. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 53.3% higher than in Little Rock.
  • The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 10.17% lower than in Little Rock.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Kansas City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Kansas City are 2.67% lower than in Little Rock.
  • State income taxes in Kansas City are 140.00% higher than in Little Rock.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,224.94 in Kansas City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Little Rock.

How life is different in Little Rock vs. Kansas City

Kansas City Little Rock
Population 508,090 202,591
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 3
Walkability score 35 33
Bike friendliness score 35 32
Crime Index 58.4 60.06
Safety Index 42.6 39.94
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Kansas City's population is about 151% greater than Little Rock.
  • Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Little Rock's lower score of 3.
  • Kansas City and Little Rock are similarily walkable.
  • Both Kansas City and Little Rock have the same bike-friendliness score of 32 out of 100, meaning Kansas City is about as safe for cyclists as Little Rock. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Kansas City and Little Rock have a similar crime rate.
  • Kansas City and Little Rock are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in Little Rock it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Little Rock 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Missouri does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Kansas City. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Kansas City

Now that you've decided to make the move to "KC", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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 youโ€™re settled into your new home in Missouri, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Kansas City has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 Little Rock to Kansas City?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Little Rock to Kansas City. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Little Rock.

When is the cheapest time to move from Little Rock to Kansas City?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Little Rock 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 Little Rock to Kansas City take?

The 426-mile journey from Little Rock, AR to Kansas City, MO typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Little Rock 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.

Helpful moving resources