California to Kansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Kansas

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• High taxes
• High wildfire risk
• Overcrowded schools

ProsKansas

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Lower taxes
• Fewer natural hazards
• Smaller class sizes

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Kansas

• Harsh winters
• Inland location
• Less cultural diversity
• Limited restaurant options
• Fewer sights

California

• Mild climate
• Beaches
• Diverse culture
• Global cuisine variety
• Tourist attractions

Pros of moving from California to Kansas

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Kansas with less traffic
• Swap the high taxes of California for lower taxes in Kansas
• Get ready for fewer natural hazards in Kansas

Cons of moving from California to Kansas

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in California to live with harsh winters in Kansas
• You'll lose out on the pro of beaches and have to settle for the con of an inland location
• Time to bid farewell to the diverse culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Kansas
• Swap global cuisine variety for limited restaurant options

California vs. Kansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Kansas, you will be trading the iconic Sourdough Bread of California for the equally delicious BBQ Ribs of Kansas. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Steak and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Kansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Burnt Ends to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Kansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The Cheeseboard Collective, The French Laundry, and Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. After the boxes are unpacked in Kansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Kansas's acclaimed eateries like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, SLAP's BBQ, and Q39.

When comparing lifestyles, Kansas shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Kansas compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Kansas.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Kansas

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Kansas.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor living spaces and eco-friendly features, Kansas real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and family-friendly neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kansas is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kansas is less bike-friendly than California.
• Kansas has less of an urban feel than California.
• Kansas housing costs are 71% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $223,883 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kansas have increased by 49% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Kansas is 59.76% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Kansas

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Kansas. Kansas gets 19% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Kansas has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and hailstorms in Kansas.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kansas is 4 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows in Kansas are 28 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kansas. Kansas receives 8 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Kansas

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kansas tend to earn about 25% less than in California
• The COLI in Kansas is 33% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in KS is 5.7% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Kansas is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Kansas compared to visible in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and low in Kansas

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Kansas

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Kansas, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• Kansas' religious environment can be described as more homogeneous with a Christian predominance
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as multicultural and diverse

Education Guide When Moving from California to Kansas

How Much Do California to Kansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,542 miles from California to Kansas will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.