($1,438) Movers From Kansas City, MO to Tucson, AZ

What to know before moving from Kansas City to Tucson

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

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

• Rent prices are the same in Tucson and Kansas City.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Kansas City.
  Home prices in Tucson are 40.2% higher than in Kansas City.
• Income in Tucson is 4.3% lower than in Kansas City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
• The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 3.4% lower than in Kansas City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 5.0% lower than in Kansas City.
• The unemployment rate in Tucson is 39.62% higher than in Kansas City.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the city’s sales taxes in Tucson are 3.57% higher than in Kansas City.
• One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.92% lower than in Kansas City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,899.31 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Kansas City.

How life is different in Kansas City vs. Tucson

• The population of Tucson is about 7% greater than Kansas City, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Tucson offers better access to buses and trains than Kansas City, based on public transportation ratings. Tucson has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Kansas City. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Tucson means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Kansas City. Tucson is considered more walkable than Kansas City, with a score of 43 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Kansas City. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Tucson is considered more bike-friendly than Kansas City in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Tucson has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, while Kansas City is rated as 35 out of 100.
• You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tucson as Kansas City. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
• Tucson is generally as safe as Kansas City, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Tucson and Kansas City is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Kansas City vs. Tucson move

• Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: Arizona doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tucson. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Tucson

Ready to relocate to "Old Pueblo"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tucson.

Helpful moving resources