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West Virginia to Kansas Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 1,073 mile interstate move from West Virginia to Kansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in West Virginia vs Kansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like rugged terrain vs vast open plains), food & health (like Pepperoni Roll vs BBQ Brisket), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs ranch, bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kansas), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pepperoni Roll and Country Ham, but get your taste buds ready for BBQ Brisket & Smoked Ribs
  • Kansas housing costs are 39% more expensive than they are in West Virginia
  • Rent in Kansas is 9.82% more expensive than in West Virginia
  • Moving from West Virginia to Kansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended West Virginia to Kansas movers is Country Roads Moving LLC

West Virginia to Kansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to Kansas

ConsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Rugged terrain
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Limited job market
  • High poverty rates
  • Long winters
ProsKansas iconKansas
  • Vast open plains
  • Drier climate
  • Growing economy
  • Lower poverty rates
  • Milder winters

Kansas iconKansas
  • Flat landscapes
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Sparser population density
  • Less seasonal change
  • Fewer mining jobs
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Scenic mountains
  • Rich cultural history
  • Close-knit communities
  • Vibrant fall foliage
  • Coal industry presence

Pros of moving from West Virginia to Kansas

  • Say goodbye to rugged terrain and hello to vast open plains
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy rainfall and moving to Kansas with a drier climate
  • Swap the limited job market of West Virginia for a growing economy in Kansas
  • Get ready for lower poverty rates in Kansas

Cons of moving from West Virginia to Kansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic mountains in West Virginia to live with flat landscapes in Kansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural history and have to settle with the con of fewer historic sites
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a sparser population density in Kansas
  • Swap vibrant fall foliage for less seasonal change

West Virginia vs. Kansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWest VirginiaKansas
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollBBQ Brisket
Most popular meat dishCountry HamSmoked Ribs
Most popular street food itemHot Dogs with SlawBBQ Sandwiches
Most popular vegan foodRamp & Potato SoupVeggie Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Pepperoni Grill
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • Seneca Rocks Kitchen
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Q39
  • Slap's BBQ
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 West Virginia to Kansas, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious BBQ Brisket of Kansas. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Country Ham and sumptuous Hot Dogs with Slaw, Kansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Ribs and BBQ Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Ramp and Potato Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Veggie Burger of Kansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Pepperoni Grill, Tudor's Biscuit World, and Seneca Rocks Kitchen. 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, Q39, and Slap's BBQ.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and Kansas

ComparisonWest VirginiaKansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchRanch, Bungalow
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 listingSpacious yards, privacyLarge basements, community features
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Bungalow architecture typical of Kansas.
  • Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and privacy, Kansas real estate listings often highlight features like large basements and community amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Kansas is more walkable than West Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Kansas is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
  • Kansas has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
  • Kansas housing costs are 39% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $223,883 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kansas have increased by 49% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
  • Rent in Kansas is 9.82% more expensive than in West Virginia.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between West Virginia and Kansas

ComparisonWest VirginiaKansas
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, LandslidesTornadoes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6291/68
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41/2142/20
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4528
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3320
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to Kansas. Kansas gets 40% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
  • Kansas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to West Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and landslides in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Kansas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kansas is 6 degrees warmer than in West Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in West Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Kansas. Kansas receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and Kansas

ComparisonWest VirginiaKansas
Avg. Household Income$54,329$68,925
Cost of Living Index9591.8
State Income Tax3.0 - 6.53.1 - 5.7
Avg. Property Tax0.571.35
Avg. Sales Tax6.06.50
Top 3 IndustriesMining, Manufacturing, AgricultureAgriculture, Aircraft Manufacturing, Energy
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kansas tend to earn about 27% more than those in West Virginia
  • The COLI in Kansas will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in West Virginia
  • The state income tax in Kansas is 3.1 to 5.7 compared to 3.0 to 6.5 in West Virginia
  • The affluence in Kansas is moderate compared to moderate in West Virginia
  • The poverty level is lower in Kansas compared to higher in West Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in West Virginia and moderate in Kansas

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. Kansas

ComparisonWest VirginiaKansas
Political Make-upMostly conservativeLean conservative, with progressive pockets
Local PoliticsStrong focus on energy policiesAgricultural and educational policies carry weight
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with Baptist predominancePrimarily Christian, varied denominations with significant Catholic presence
  • West Virginia tends to lean mostly conservative in its political climate
  • Kansas, on the other hand, is often described as leaning conservative with progressive pockets
  • Kansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with varied denominations and a significant Catholic presence
  • West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a Baptist predominance

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to Kansas

ComparisonWest VirginiaKansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia State University
University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Wichita State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSunnyside Elementary (Charleston)
George Washington Elementary (Eleanor)
Woodsdale Elementary (Wheeling)
Claflin Elementary (Claflin)
Meadowlark Ridge Elementary (Salina)
Corinth Elementary (Prairie Village)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMountaineer Middle (Morgantown)
Suncrest Middle (Morgantown)
Bridgeport Middle (Bridgeport)
Leawood Middle (Leawood)
Lakewood Middle (Overland Park)
Indian Hills Middle (Prairie Village)
Top 3 High School SchoolsGeorge Washington High (Charleston)
Morgantown High (Morgantown)
Bridgeport High (Bridgeport)
Blue Valley North High (Overland Park)
Shawnee Mission East High (Prairie Village)
Lawrence Free State High (Lawrence)
Top 3 private high schoolsParkersburg Catholic High School (Parkersburg)
Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg)
Charleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
Bishop Miege High School (Roeland Park)
St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Overland Park)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMercer Christian Academy (Princeton)
Wood County Christian School (Williamstown)
Cross Lanes Christian School (Cross Lanes)
The Independent School (Wichita)
Cair Paravel Latin School (Topeka)
Wichita Collegiate School (Wichita)
Top 3 School DistrictsBridgeport School District
Morgantown School District
Charleston School District
Blue Valley School District (Overland Park)
Olathe School District (Olathe)
Shawnee Mission School District (Shawnee Mission)

How Much Do West Virginia to Kansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,073 miles from West Virginia to Kansas will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Country Roads Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,811300 ft3$6.04
1 Bedroom$2,694450 ft3$5.99
2 Bedrooms$4,452750 ft3$5.94
3 Bedrooms$6,4751100 ft3$5.89
4 Bedrooms$9,3381600 ft3$5.84
5+ Bedrooms$10,4151800 ft3$5.79

Top West Virginia to Kansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

Best moving company overall for West Virginia to Kansas

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
American Movers featured image

American Movers

9.03/10
ALSO GREAT
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving featured image

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

8.53/10
FabulousView details
Top West Virginia to Kansas Routes

Charleston to Kansas