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Things to know before moving from California to Kansas City, MO
Cost of living: California vs Kansas City, MO
| California | Kansas City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $233,378 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $64,551 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 5% |
| State income tax | 13% | 5% |
Kansas City sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 30% less expensive in Kansas City than in California.
- Home prices are about 70% lower in Kansas City than in California.
- The average income is about 30% lower in Kansas City than in California.
- Kansas City has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 2%.
- Income taxes are 64% lower in Kansas City than in California.
How life is different in Kansas City from California
| Kansas City | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,090 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 60-37 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 20ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 42" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 7" |
| Crime index | 58.4 | 28.43 |
Kansas City sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Kansas City is approximately 99% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Kansas City voted Democrat and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Kansas City is 89ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Kansas City reaches the temperature of 20ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about 42 inches of annual rainfall in Kansas City vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
- In Kansas City, it snows about 15 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
- Kansas City has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 58.4 vs 28.43.
Things to do in Kansas City
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Kansas City.
Museums in Kansas City
Parks in Kansas City
Sports Teams in Kansas City
Universities in Kansas City
Other considerations when moving to Kansas City, MO
- 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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 on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 Missouri. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of California vs. Kansas City, MO
Comparing the pros of California vs. Kansas City, MO:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Kansas City side-by-side.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Pleasant weather | Delicious barbecue |
| Abundant recreational options | Low cost of living |
| High quality of life | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Rich history |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Kansas City, MO:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Kansas City.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Kansas City, MO |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | Tornadoes |
| Heavy tax burdens | Extreme weather |
| Natural disasters | High crime rate |
| Terrible traffic | High taxes |
| Strange laws | Limited public transportation |
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Kansas City take?
The time frame for a move from California to Kansas City, MO, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Kansas City will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Kansas City from California can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Kansas City?
Because of the 1742-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Kansas City as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Kansas City, MO?
With the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 20ºF, most people move to Kansas City from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Kansas City during summer or winter.
