Factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to Kansas Citytoggle

The cost of San Francisco movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from San Francisco to Kansas City might cost as little as $1,575, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,789.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in San Francisco, 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 $1,209 to $3,256. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Kansas City

Moving from San Francisco to Kansas City means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Kansas City, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Francisco compares to Kansas City so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Francisco Kansas City
Average rent cost $3,250 $1,300
Average home value $1,241,003 $233,378
Average income (per capita) $136,689 $64,551
Cost of living (single person) $3,781 $2,473
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,717 $6,361
Unemployment rate 5.4% 5.3%
Sales tax 8.63% 8.4%
State income tax 13.3% 4.8%
  • Rent prices in Kansas City are 60% lower than in San Francisco, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Kansas City.
    Home prices in Kansas City are 81.2% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Kansas City is 52.8% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Kansas City include Public School System, Federal Government, and State/County/City Government.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Kansas City is 34.6% lower than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Kansas City is 27.0% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 1.85% lower than in San Francisco.
  • 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 San Francisco.
  • One perk of moving to Kansas City is paying less in state income taxes, which are 63.91% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,962.18 in Kansas City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Kansas City

Kansas City San Francisco
Population 508,090 808,988
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 10
Walkability score 35 99
Bike friendliness score 35 99
Crime Index 58.4 61.41
Safety Index 42.6 38.59
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Kansas City's population is about 37% less than San Francisco.
  • Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus San Francisco's higher score of 10.
  • Kansas City is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 35 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 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 San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
  • Kansas City and San Francisco have a similar crime rate.
  • Kansas City is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 42.6 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
  • Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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

Now that you've made the move to Missouri, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Kansas City. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Kansas City, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 San Francisco to Kansas City?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Kansas City?

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

The 1,807-mile journey from San Francisco, CA to Kansas City, MO typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in San Francisco 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