Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Wichitatoggle

The cost of Seattle movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Seattle to Wichita can be as low as $1,656 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,818.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,311 to $3,321. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Wichita

Seattle Wichita
Average rent cost $1,975 $930
Average home value $842,068 $190,905
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $60,712
Cost of living (single person) $1,446 $1,128
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,187 $3,898
Unemployment rate 4.8% 5.9%
Sales tax 10.35% 7.5%
State income tax 0.0% 5.7%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Wichita are 53% lower than in Seattle.
  • Home prices in Wichita are 77.3% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Wichita is 22.0% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Wichita is 22.0% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a family in Wichita is 24.9% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Wichita is 22.92% higher than in Seattle.
  • Sales taxes in Wichita are 27.54% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Wichita are 5.70% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,340.25 in Wichita to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Wichita

Wichita Seattle
Population 397,532 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 8
Walkability score 35 74
Bike friendliness score 44 71
Crime Index 49.19 58.88
Safety Index 50.81 49.23
Air Quality Moderate Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Wichita's population is about 46% less than Seattle.
  • Wichita's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Seattle's lower score of 8.
  • Wichita is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
  • Wichita has a bike-friendliness score 44 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Wichita's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 49.19 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Wichita is considered to be safer than Seattle with a safety index of 50.81 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Wichita is moderate, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle vs. Wichita move

  • Weather: Wichita experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Wichita often experiences severe weather with thunderstorms occurring frequently during the spring and summer. These occasionally bring large hail and frequent lightning. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid hail and lightning.
  • 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: In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The stateโ€™s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kansas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Kansas 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 Wichita. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesnโ€™t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Wichita

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Air Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Wichita.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Riverside
  • Cottonwood Village
  • Delano
  • College Hill
  • Uptown

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • College Hill
  • Courtland
  • Village
  • Crown Heights
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Uptown

Things to do in Wichitatoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Wichita is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Old Cowtown Museum, Exploration Place, Museum of World Treasures, Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House, and Wichita Art Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Sedgwick Park, Harrison Park, and Osage Park 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 Wichita Thunder (ECHL), Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A Central), Wichita Wings (MASL 2), or Wichita State University Shockers (NCAA) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Seattle to Wichita?

The best time to move from Seattle to Wichita is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Seattle.

When is the cheapest time to move from Seattle to Wichita?

Because most people are moving from Seattle to Wichita in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Seattle to Wichita take?

The 1,814-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Wichita, KS, takes five to 16 days. Some Seattle movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Wichita.

Helpful moving resources

Seattle moving services

Popular Washington routes

Popular moving resources