Factors that influence moving costs from Cincinnati to Kansas Citytoggle

The cost of Cincinnati movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Cincinnati to Kansas City might cost as little as $1,464, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,939.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Cincinnati, 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 $526 to $1,344. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Cincinnati to Kansas City

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

Cincinnati Kansas City
Average rent cost $1,450 $1,300
Average home value $232,735 $233,378
Average income (per capita) $65,682 $64,551
Cost of living (single person) $2,467 $2,473
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,418 $6,361
Unemployment rate 4.9% 5.3%
Sales tax 6.5% 8.4%
State income tax 3.5% 4.8%
  • Rent prices in Kansas City are 10% lower than in Cincinnati, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • Home prices are the same in Kansas City and Cincinnati.
  • Income in Kansas City is 1.7% lower than in Cincinnati, 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 is the same in Kansas City and Cincinnati. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Kansas City and Cincinnati.
  • The unemployment rate in Kansas City is 8.16% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Kansas City, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Kansas City are 29.23% higher than in Cincinnati.
  • State income taxes in Kansas City are 37.14% higher than in Cincinnati.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,007.30 in Kansas City to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cincinnati.

How life is different in Cincinnati vs. Kansas City

Kansas City Cincinnati
Population 508,090 309,317
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 6
Walkability score 35 49
Bike friendliness score 35 36
Crime Index 58.4 48.47
Safety Index 42.6 49.53
Air Quality Good Good
  • Kansas City's population is about 64% greater than Cincinnati.
  • Kansas City's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Cincinnati's higher score of 6.
  • Kansas City is less walkable than Cincinnati with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Cincinnati's 49 out of 100.
  • Both Kansas City and Cincinnati have the same bike-friendliness score of 36 out of 100, meaning Kansas City is about as safe for cyclists as Cincinnati. 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's crime rate is higher than Cincinnati with a score of 58.4 compared to Cincinnati's 48.47. This means that Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47%.
  • Kansas City is considered to be less safe than Cincinnati with a score of 42.6 vs Cincinnati's 49.53.
  • Air quality in Kansas City is good, and in Cincinnati it's good.

Other things to consider for your Cincinnati 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Missouri moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Missouri, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toKansas City Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Kansas City

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "KC" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Kansas City to check out.

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

After settling into your new Missouri home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Kansas City has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Kansas City is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Cincinnati to Kansas City?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Cincinnati to Kansas City?

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

The 588-mile journey from Cincinnati, OH to Kansas City, MO typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Cincinnati 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