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Pennsylvania to Kansas Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 1,264 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Kansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Kansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs BBQ Brisket), real estate & housing (colonial vs ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for BBQ Brisket & Smoked Ribs
  • Kansas housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Kansas is 26.06% more affordable than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Kansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Kansas movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Kansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Kansas

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • High cost of living
  • Harsh winters
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited open space
ProsKansas iconKansas
  • Affordable housing
  • Milder winters
  • Lesser traffic
  • Expansive landscapes

Kansas iconKansas
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Unpredictable weather
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Diverse job market
  • Cultural amenities
  • Variety of seasons

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Kansas

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Kansas with milder winters
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Pennsylvania for lesser traffic in Kansas
  • Get ready for expansive landscapes in Kansas

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Kansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historical sites in Kansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle with the con of fewer job opportunities
  • Time to bid farewell to cultural amenities and get used to fewer cultural venues in Kansas
  • Swap the variety of seasons for unpredictable weather

Pennsylvania vs. Kansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaKansas
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakBBQ Brisket
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautSmoked Ribs
Most popular street food itemPretzelsBBQ Sandwiches
Most popular vegan foodMushroom "Cheesesteak"BBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • SLAP's BBQ
  • Q39
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 Pennsylvania to Kansas, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious BBQ Brisket of Kansas. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Kansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Ribs and BBQ Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom 'Cheesesteak' 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 Pennsylvania eateries like Geno's Steaks, Reading Terminal Market, and Zahav. After the boxes are unpacked in Kansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Kansas' 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 Pennsylvania. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Kansas compared to what you are used to in Pennsylvania. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Kansas.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Kansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaKansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonialRanch
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 listingHardwood floors, open conceptSpacious backyard, storm shelters
  • The Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch architecture typical of Kansas.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and open concept layouts, Kansas real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and storm shelters.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kansas is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • Kansas is similarly bike-friendly to Pennsylvania.
  • Kansas has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Kansas housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $223,883 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kansas have increased by 49% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Kansas is 26.06% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaKansas
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 DisastersFloods, SnowstormsTornadoes, Hailstorms
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6291/69
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)33/1942/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4228
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3819
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Kansas. Kansas gets 28% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Kansas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and snowstorms in Pennsylvania, 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 6 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Kansas. Kansas receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Kansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaKansas
Avg. Household Income$71,798$68,925
Cost of Living Index99.791.8
State Income Tax3.07%3.10%
Avg. Property Tax1.50%1.40%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%8.68%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNotableModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kansas tend to earn about 4% less than in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Kansas will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in KS is 3.10% compared to 3.07% in PA
  • The affluence in Kansas is moderate compared to moderate in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is moderate in Kansas compared to notable in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Pennsylvania and low in Kansas

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Kansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaKansas
Political Make-upSwing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican areasTraditionally Republican, with conservative leanings
Local PoliticsMixture of liberal urban areas like Philadelphia and conservative rural regionsConservative across most rural areas, with some liberal pockets in cities like Lawrence
ReligionDiverse, with significant Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communitiesPredominantly Protestant, with a notable Evangelical presence
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican areas in its political climate
  • Kansas, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally Republican with conservative leanings
  • Kansas' religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant with a notable Evangelical presence
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with significant Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Kansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaKansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Penn State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Wichita State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWhitemarsh Elementary - Lafayette Hill
Bower Hill Elementary School - Pittsburgh
Bradford Heights Elementary School - Downingtown
Claflin Elementary - Claflin
Corinth Elementary - Shawnee Mission
Meadowlark Elementary - Salina
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRadnor Middle School - Radnor
Haverford Middle School - Havertown
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School - Philadelphia
Blue Valley Middle School - Overland Park
Leawood Middle School - Leawood
Lakewood Middle School - Overland Park
Top 3 High School SchoolsJulia R. Masterman Secondary School - Philadelphia
Conestoga High School - Berwyn
Central High School - Philadelphia
Blue Valley North High School - Overland Park
Shawnee Mission East High School - Prairie Village
Blue Valley Northwest High School - Overland Park
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School - Haverford
Episcopal Academy - Newtown Square
Shady Side Academy - Pittsburgh
St. Thomas Aquinas High School - Overland Park
Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School - Wichita
Bishop Miege High School - Roeland Park
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Baldwin School - Bryn Mawr
The Shipley School - Bryn Mawr
Friends' Central School - Wynnewood
The Independent School - Wichita
Wichita Collegiate School - Wichita
Cair Paravel Latin School - Topeka
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District
Blue Valley Unified School District
DeSoto Unified School District
Shawnee Mission School District

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Kansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,264 miles from Pennsylvania to Kansas 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 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,919300 ft3$6.40
1 Bedroom$2,856450 ft3$6.35
2 Bedrooms$4,723750 ft3$6.30
3 Bedrooms$6,8721100 ft3$6.25
4 Bedrooms$9,9151600 ft3$6.20
5+ Bedrooms$11,0641800 ft3$6.15

Top Pennsylvania to Kansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Kansas

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details