Factors affecting the cost of moving from KS to VAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Kansas moving costs. The cost to move from Kansas to Virginia will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Kansas is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from KS to VA

If you’re moving to Virginia from Kansas, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Kansas vs. Virginia

Kansas Virginia
Average rent cost $986 $1,440
Average home cost $229,012 $392,682
Average income (per capita) $69,747 $87,249
Cost of Living Index 87 0
Unemployment rate 3.4% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 8.65% 5.73%
State Income Tax 5.7% 5.75%
  • Rent is about 46% more expensive in Virginia than in Kansas.
  • Home prices are about 71% higher in Virginia than in Kansas.
  • The average income is about 25% higher in Virginia than in Kansas.
  • Cost of living is 100% lower in Virginia than in Kansas.
  • Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than Kansas by about 15%.
  • Sales taxes are 34% lower in Virginia than in Kansas.
  • Income taxes are the same in Virginia and Kansas.

How life is different in Virginia vs. Kansas

Virginia Kansas
Population 8,715,698 2,940,546
Political leaning Democratic 52-48 Republican 57.1%-41.1
Summer high 87ºF 91ºF
Winter low 25ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 44" 33"
Annual snow 14" 15"
Crime index 19.3 24.07
  • The population of Virginia is approximately 196% greater than the population of Kansas.
  • In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic and Kansas voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Virginia is 87ºF and in Kansas, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Virginia reaches the temperature of 25ºF and Kansas gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Virginia versus 33 inches of rainfall in Kansas.
  • In Virginia, it snows about 14 inches annually versus 15 inches of snow in Kansas.
  • Virginia has a lower crime rate than Kansas with a crime index of 19.3 vs. 24.07.

Comparing the pros of Kansas vs. Virginia

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Virginia compared to Kansas.

Pros of living in Kansas Pros of living in Virginia
Delicious barbecue Strong economy
Low cost housing Beautiful scenery
Cheap living Abundance of outdoor activities
Four season living Enjoyable four season weather
Ample economic opportunity Strong military presence

Comparing the cons of living in Kansas vs. Virginia

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Kansas for Virginia.

Cons of living in Kansas Cons of living in Virginia
Extreme weather High cost of living
Dull landscape Unpredictable weather
High taxes Bad traffic congestion
Lack of public transportation Lack of public transportation
Remote small-town lifestyle Air noise pollution

Other things to consider for your Kansas to Virginia movetoggle

  • Weather: Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
  • 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Virginia 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Virginia. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Virginiatoggle

While you’re in Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Virginia Beach
  • Colonial Williamsburg
  • Arlington National Cemetery
  • Busch Gardens
  • The Natural Bridge
  • Manassas National Battlefield Park
  • Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
  • George Washington's Mount Vernon
  • Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive
  • Richmond Canal Walk
  • Luray Caverns
  • Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
  • Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
  • Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
  • Historic Jamestowne
  • Maymont Park
  • Nauticus
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
  • Military Aviation Museum
  • Virginia State Capitol

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Kansas to Virginia?toggle

Hiring a full-service Kansas moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Kansas to Virginia?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Kansas to Virginia separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Kansas to Virginia?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Kansas to Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in Virginia such as strong economy and beautiful scenery.

Is it cheaper to live in Kansas or Virginia?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Kansas than in Virginia. Housing is much more affordable in Kansas, with average rent about 32% less and home prices 42% lower than in Virginia. Taxes are also lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes, which are more than 1% less than those paid by Kansas residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?toggle

You should make approximately $72,647 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Virginia. The cost of living in Virginia is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $4,783 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Virginia you live For example, larger cities like Virginia Beach and Chesapeake will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources