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Kansas to DC Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 1,286 mile interstate move from Kansas to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kansas vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme summer temperatures vs mild summer climate), food & health (like BBQ Ribs vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (ranch vs row house), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to BBQ Ribs and Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
  • DC housing costs are 177% more expensive than they are in Kansas
  • Rent in DC is 118.69% more expensive than in Kansas
  • Moving from Kansas to DC will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Kansas to DC movers is Bookstore Movers
Kansas to DC featured image

Top Kansas to DC Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Kansas to DC movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Kansas to DC

9.61/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
American Movers featured image

American Movers

9.03/10
Superb

Kansas to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas to DC

ConsKansas iconKansas
  • Extreme summer temperatures
  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Mostly rural landscape
  • Limited job opportunities in tech
ProsDC iconDC
  • Mild summer climate
  • Extensive metro system
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Urban lifestyle
  • Strong job market

DC iconDC
  • Higher living expenses
  • Heavy traffic
  • Fast-paced environment
  • Hectic lifestyle
  • Limited green spaces
Kansas iconKansas
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Close-knit communities
  • Simple lifestyle
  • Vast open spaces

Pros of moving from Kansas to DC

  • Say goodbye to extreme summer temperatures and hello to a mild summer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transportation and moving to DC with an extensive metro system
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Kansas for a vibrant cultural scene in DC
  • Get ready for an urban lifestyle in DC

Cons of moving from Kansas to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Kansas to live with higher living expenses in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of heavy traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a fast-paced environment in DC
  • Swap a simple lifestyle for a hectic lifestyle

Kansas vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKansasDC
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishBrisketMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemBBQ SandwichFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQChickpea Curry
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Jack Stack Barbecue
  • Q39
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Founding Farmers
  • Zaytinya
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Kansas to DC, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Kansas for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Kansas rave about their flavorful Brisket and sumptuous BBQ Sandwich, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chickpea Curry of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kansas eateries like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Jack Stack Barbecue, and Q39. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Founding Farmers, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kansas and DC

ComparisonKansasDC
Typical Architecture StyleRanchRow House
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge Yards, GaragesProximity to Metro, Historic Details
  • The Ranch architecture that Kansas is known for will be replaced with the Row House architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Kansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and historic details.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Kansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Kansas.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Kansas.
  • DC housing costs are 177% more expensive than they are in Kansas with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Kansas’s $223,883.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased 8% compared to a 49% increase in Kansas.
  • Rent in DC is 118.69% more expensive than in Kansas.

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

ComparisonKansasDC
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, Severe StormsSevere Storms, Hurricanes
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 70Β°F88Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)43Β°F / 20Β°F47Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3940
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1915.4
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kansas to DC. DC gets 12% fewer sunshine days than Kansas.
  • DC has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kansas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Kansas, but be on the lookout for potential severe storms and hurricanes in DC.
  • The average summer high temperature in DC is 2 degrees colder than in Kansas.
  • The average winter lows in DC are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Kansas.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 1 more inch of rain compared to Kansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kansas and DC

ComparisonKansasDC
Avg. Household Income$68,925$101,027
Cost of Living Index91.8140.1
State Income Tax5.7%10-14.95%
Avg. Property Tax1.33%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax8.7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, AerospaceGovernment, Tourism, Professional Services
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 47% more than those in Kansas
  • The COLI in DC is 53% higher than what you are used to living in Kansas
  • The state income tax in DC is 10-14.95% compared to 5.7% in KS
  • The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate affluence in Kansas
  • The poverty level is moderate in DC compared to low in Kansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kansas and high in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Kansas vs. DC

ComparisonKansasDC
Political Make-upGenerally conservative; Republican-leaning in most federal and statewide races; GOP-dominated legislature with a Democratic governor; urban centers (e.g., parts of the KC metro and Lawrence) lean more moderate-to-liberal.Overwhelmingly Democratic; very high Democratic vote share in federal and local elections; policy outlook tends to be progressive.
Local PoliticsState government features a powerful legislature and frequent focus on taxes, education funding, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure; many city and county offices are officially nonpartisan; political priorities often differ between rural and urban areas.Mayor-Council system under Home Rule; 13-member Council; no voting representation in Congress and some federal oversight; priorities commonly include public safety, housing affordability, transit, and statehood advocacy; strong neighborhood input via Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
ReligionHigher overall religious affiliation and attendance than national average; larger shares of Evangelical and Mainline Protestants, with a notable Catholic presence; smaller unaffiliated share compared with DC.Religiously diverse; larger unaffiliated share; significant Black Protestant and Catholic communities alongside many other faiths; overall affiliation and attendance lower than in Kansas.
  • Kansas tends to lean generally conservative and Republican-leaning in most federal and statewide races with a GOP-dominated legislature and a Democratic governor; urban centers, such as parts of the KC metro and Lawrence, lean more moderate-to-liberal in its political climate
  • DC, on the other hand, is often described as overwhelmingly Democratic with a very high Democratic vote share in federal and local elections, and its policy outlook tends to be progressive
  • DC's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse with a larger unaffiliated share and significant Black Protestant and Catholic communities alongside many other faiths; overall affiliation and attendance are lower than in Kansas
  • Kansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having higher overall religious affiliation and attendance than the national average, with larger shares of Evangelical and Mainline Protestants, a notable Catholic presence, and a smaller unaffiliated share compared with DC

Education Guide When Moving from Kansas to DC

ComparisonKansasDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kansas
Lawrence
Kansas State University
Manhattan
Wichita State University
Wichita
George Washington University
DC
Georgetown University
DC
American University
DC
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSunflower Elementary School
Lawrence
Clear Creek Elementary
Shawnee
Puma Elementary School
Olathe
Brent Elementary School
DC
Capitol Hill Montessori School
DC
Janney Elementary School
DC
Top 3 Middle SchoolsIndian Hills Middle School
Prairie Village
Southwest Middle School
Lawrence
Harmony Middle School
Overland Park
Deal Middle School
DC
Hardy Middle School
DC
Stuart-Hobson Middle School
DC
Top 3 High SchoolsBlue Valley Northwest High School
Overland Park
Olathe Northwest High School
Olathe
Shawnee Mission East High School
Prairie Village
Woodrow Wilson High School
DC
Banneker High School
DC
School Without Walls High School
DC
Top 3 private high schoolsBishop Miege High School
Roeland Park
St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Overland Park
Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School
Wichita
St. Albans School
DC
National Cathedral School
DC
Sidwell Friends School
DC
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWichita Collegiate School
Wichita
All Saints Catholic School
Wichita
The Barstow School
Kansas City
The Field School
DC
Bullis School
DC
Maret School
DC
Top 3 School DistrictsBlue Valley School District
Overland Park
Olathe Public Schools
Olathe
Shawnee Mission School District
Shawnee Mission
District of Columbia Public Schools
DC
Friendship Public Charter School
DC
Seed Public Charter School
DC

How Much Do Kansas to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 1,286 miles from Kansas to DC will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,932300 ft3$6.44
1 Bedroom$2,875450 ft3$6.39
2 Bedrooms$4,754750 ft3$6.34
3 Bedrooms$6,9171100 ft3$6.29
4 Bedrooms$9,9821600 ft3$6.24
5+ Bedrooms$11,1391800 ft3$6.19