Thinking about moving to Kansas? The state has a $185.72 billion economy, with growing jobs in the technical services, healthcare, and aerospace sectors. Thanks to its low cost of living and robust education system, it’s one of the most desirable states to move to in 2025.
But the move comes with trade-offs. Due to its location in Tornado Alley, Kansas faces a high risk of tornadoes and floods. Still, many are choosing cities like Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City for their lower living costs and better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Kansas has a $185.72 billion economy, with growing jobs in the technical services, healthcare, and aerospace sectors.
- With a median home price 35% below the US average, Kansas ranks as the 4th-most affordable state for housing.
- The cost of living in Kansas per month is 12% lower than the national average.
- Kansas has a graduated income tax of 5.2% to 5.58%, depending on your annual income.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- Kansas has a continental climate. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters are cold with snowfall across the state.
3 Reasons to Move to Kansas
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Kansas, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
Kansas ranks as the 4th-most affordable state for housing. The state has a median home price of $238,449, which is 35% lower than the national average. Rent in Kansas is 34% less expensive than the US median.
Recent trends show that 25.2% of listed properties in Kansas have seen a price drop, with housing inventory also on the rise. This gives buyers greater negotiating power.
2. Jobs in Kansas
With over 73,000 openings in 2025, Kansas’ robust economy offers employment opportunities across several industries. Here’s a quick look at growing job sectors in Kansas:
- Technical Services: The sector contributes around $13.4 billion to the state’s GDP, and directly supports over 99,000 jobs across the state. Roles like data scientists, software developers, and information security analysts are in high demand.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector contributes $23 billion in labor income and supports over 325,000 jobs across the state. A healthcare worker makes an average of $34,742 per year in Kansas. Registered nurses and physical therapists are in high demand.
- Aerospace: With the 3rd-highest concentration of aviation workers in the US, Wichita is the aviation capital of the world. The sector contributes $7 billion to the state’s GDP. Aerospace engineers, aircraft mechanics, and avionics technicians are in high demand.
3. Education in Kansas
Kansas’s robust education system serves 525,000 students with 284 school districts across the state. Here is what you need to know about education in Kansas:
- Public Schools: Kansas is home to 1,355 public schools. Some notable schools include Blue Valley High School and Shawnee Mission East High School, known for their academic performance and innovative learning programs.
- Private Schools: There are 224 private schools in Kansas, mostly located in urban centers. On average, tuition for a private school costs $10,583 a year. Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park is a top private school in Kansas.
- Higher Education: With 30+ universities and colleges, Kansas has a robust higher education system. The University of Kansas and Kansas State University are the two biggest universities in the state.
Pros and Cons of Living in Kansas
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of living in Kansas:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You will have access to growing jobs in the technical services, healthcare, and aerospace sectors. | 1. Due to its location in the Tornado Alley, Kansas is vulnerable to tornadoes and floods. |
| 2. The cost of living in Kansas is 12% lower than the US average. Housing also costs less. | 2. Winters in Kansas are harsh, with temperatures ranging from 7°F to 42°F, depending on your location. |
| 3. From hiking in Flint Hills to kayaking and fishing in Lake Shawnee in Topeka, there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. | 3. Public transportation outside of big cities is sparse. Owning a car is a necessity here. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Kansas 📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to Kansas:
1. Cost of Living in Kansas
The cost of living in Kansas is 12% lower than the national average. So, you’ll save on expenses like utilities, food, and transportation, though healthcare can get expensive.
The Sunflower State is an appealing option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
Kansas faces several challenges with its aging infrastructure. 14% of the roads in the state are in poor or fair condition, and over 1,300 bridges are structurally deficient. Additionally, there are around 320 high-hazard dams located across the state.
Despite these challenges, the state is actively investing in projects to improve its infrastructure. Kansas is set to receive $2.8 billion in federal funding over the next five years to improve its highways and bridges.
3. Climate in Kansas
Kansas has a continental climate. Summers are typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 63°F to 96°F. In contrast, winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from 7°F to 42°F, depending on your location.
However, due to its location in the infamous Tornado Alley, Kansas is prone to tornadoes and frequent flooding. It’s crucial to check the FEMA-designated high-risk zones and local guidelines for emergencies in your city before moving to Kansas.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: You have to obtain a Kansas driver’s license and register your vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for registration.
- Moving to Kansas with a Gun: No permit is required to purchase, own, or open carry a firearm for those over 18. However, the minimum age for concealed carry is 21. Though not necessary, permits are useful when traveling to another state.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes is not legal in Kansas. Possession of any amount can result in $1K to $100K in fines and up to 7 years in prison. Keep in mind, there is no penalty for possession of CBD products with 0% THC.
- Pet Registration Laws: Kansas does not have a statewide law requiring pet registration or vaccination. However, many cities have their own local ordinances, so be sure to check your city’s official website for specific requirements.
5. Tax Burden in Kansas
Kansas is known to have a high tax burden for individuals. Here’s a breakdown:
- Income Tax in Kansas: Kansas has a graduated income tax. An individual pays 5.2% for income under $23,000, and 5.58% for income above $23,000. In contrast, a family filing jointly pays 5.2% for income under $46,000 and 5.58% for income over $46,000.
- Sales Tax in Kansas: Kansas levies a 6.5% state sales tax. However, cities often levy an additional local sales tax ranging from 0% to 4.1%. This brings the effective sales tax rate in Kansas up to 10.6%, depending on your location.
- Property Tax in Kansas: With an average effective property tax rate of 1.19%, Kansas has the 12th-highest property taxes in the country. Property taxes are calculated on the assessed market value of your house.
How to Move to Kansas?
Before buying a house in Kansas, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $110 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, renting a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in Kansas:
- Electricity and Gas: Evergy is the primary electricity provider in Kansas, while gas is supplied by companies like Atmos Energy, Black Hills, and Kansas Gas Service. You can visit their website to check availability in your area and start service.
- Water and Sewer: These services in Kansas are usually provided by local entities, such as the city’s utility department or rural water districts. Visit your city website to find out the appropriate service provider in your city.
- Internet and Cable: Spectrum, Cox Communications, AT&T, and Mediacom are the largest internet and cable service providers in the state. Costs range from $29 to $80.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Kansas?
Most schools in Kansas offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Children must be at least 5 years old by August 31 for kindergarten enrollment, and 6 years old for enrollment in the first grade. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their athletic eligibility with the new school before enrolling.
- Transfers and Special Cases: Transfers and special cases in Kansas are usually managed by the local school districts. You can visit their website or directly reach out to the school district office for assistance in the enrollment process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 23% of employees in Kansas work from home. If you work remotely, just ask your employer about any state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: KANSASWORKS is an online workforce system that provides job search, career assistance, and training programs for job seekers. You can also visit job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to search and apply for jobs in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Kansas housing market leans in favor of buyers at present. 25.2% listed homes have experienced price drops, and inventory has increased by 9.6%. This drop in price and increased demand gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, the average rent is $1,385. It depends on the neighborhood you’re moving to, and the available amenities.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Wichita cost around $198K. Cities like Coffeyville and Parsons offer more affordable options, with median home prices of $59K and $78K respectively.
Should I Move to Kansas?
Yes, you should definitely move to Kansas. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Kansas isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Kansas’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Sunflower State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Kansas, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Kansas, long before the moving boxes are packed.
