Moving to Kansas? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Kansas is a landlocked state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It was the 34th state to join the US in 1861 and is named the “Sunflower State” as the flower grows wild across the land, and is also the state’s official flower.

If you are considering moving to Kansas, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Kansas Facts:

1. Population: 2.935 million (2021)
2. Official Language: English
3. GDP Per Capita: $53,094 (2018)
4. Random Fact: Kansas state has over 800 caves – this was only known post-1960, as before this time, the state was thought to only have 30!
5. Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68 

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Kansas

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$3,200 – $5,200
Texas	$2,500 – $4,000
Florida	$3,600 – $5,600
New York	$3,700 – $5,900
Pennsylvania	$3,300 – $5,300
Illinois	$2,700 – $4,300
Ohio	$2,800 – $4,400
Georgia	$3,000 – $5,000
North Carolina	$3,400 – $5,400
Michigan	$3,100 – $5,100

2. Kansas Housing Costs

The range of rental/house purchase prices in Kansas can vary greatly depending on location. For example, in the uptown areas of cities like Overland Park, home prices can range from $300,000 to over $1 million, while in the downtown areas of Wichita, rentals can be found for as little as $500 per month.

Monthly Rental Prices in Kansas:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $615+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $675+
• 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $1,400+
• 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,400+

Kansas Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $970+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $1,290+

Kansas Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Kansas compare with other cities around the globe.

• London is 66.4% more expensive 
• New York is 76.9% more expensive 
• Los Angeles is 68% more expensive 
• Toronto is 53.1% more expensive 
• Sydney is 59.4% more expensive 
• Paris is 46.9% more expensive 
• Dubai is 52.5% more expensive 

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

• Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Spare Room.
• Different Areas – Different Prices: The cost of renting or purchasing a home in Kansas can vary significantly based on the location of the property. Located in Johnson County, Overland Park is a popular and affluent suburb of Kansas City. It boasts a range of luxury homes and neighbourhoods, including the prestigious Hallbrook and Mission Hills estates. However, Hutchinson is a city in central Kansas that offers more affordable housing options compared to some of the more affluent suburbs. The cost of living in Hutchinson is generally lower than the state average, with a lower median home price and lower rental rates.

3. Kansas Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Kansas is known for its unique food and drink culture, with a focus on BBQ, fried chicken, and beer. Craft breweries have been on the rise in recent years, with several award-winning breweries located in cities like Wichita and Lawrence. Additionally, Kansas is famous for its signature dish, the “Kansas City-style” BBQ, which is characterized by slow-smoked meats, tangy sauces, and flavourful rubs.

• Inexpensive Restaurant: $20.00
•  Takeout Coffee: $5.10
•  Bottle of Coke: $2.00
•  1L of Milk: $1.00
•  Loaf of Bread: $3.40
•  12 Eggs: $3.50
•  1kg Chicken: $11.75
•  1kg Beef: $13.20
•  1kg Apples: $5.65
•  1kg White Rice: $3.10

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

• London restaurants are 14.2% more expensive and groceries are 19.6% cheaper than Kansas.
• New York restaurants are 26.6% more expensive and groceries are 30.8% more expensive than Kansas.
• Los Angeles restaurants are 21.7% more expensive and groceries are 12.1% more expensive than Kansas.
• Toronto restaurants are 2.8% more expensive and groceries are 0.3% cheaper than Kansas. 
• Sydney restaurants are 1.9% more expensive and groceries are 12.2% more expensive than Kansas.
• Paris restaurants are 2.9% cheaper and groceries are 10.7% more expensive than Kansas. 
• Dubai restaurants are 2.6% cheaper and groceries are 40.9% cheaper than Kansas. 

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

• Know Your Supermarkets: Kansas has a thriving farmers’ market scene, with numerous markets offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and homemade goods. In terms of supermarkets, the range varies from affordable options like Walmart and Aldi to more expensive stores like Whole Foods and speciality grocers, depending on the location. However, most areas in Kansas have a good mix of both affordable and higher-end grocery stores to choose from.
• Find Cheap Eats: Kansas has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Kansas Alcohol Costs

Kansas, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.00 
• Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.50
• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.40
• Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $1.50
• Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $9.00

How To Drink For Less in Kansas:

• Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
• Take a look at City Lifestyle.

5. Kansas Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Kansas varies depending on the location. While larger cities like Wichita and Kansas City have bus systems, smaller towns and rural areas may have limited or no public transportation options. However, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the state.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

• Adult single – $2.00
• One-day ticket – $5.00
• Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $34.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

• Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. 
• Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Kansas

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

• Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
• AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
• Verizon: $80 a month 

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

• Pair of Jeans: $38.00
• Summer Dress: $27.00
• Running Shoes (Trainers): $80.00
• Business Shoes: $87.00
• Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
• Deodorant: $3.00
• Shampoo: $3.60
• Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.00
• Gym Membership: $45.00
• Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Kansas

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Kansas. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Kansas from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here. 

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Kansas:

• Volkswagen Golf: $17,000+
• 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.80

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Kansas:

• Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpool World.
• Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Kansas

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

In Kansas, the statewide sales tax rate is 6.5%. However, local jurisdictions (such as cities and counties) can add additional sales tax rates, which can range from 0.5% to 4.5%, making the total sales tax rate in some areas of the state as high as 11.5%.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Kansas you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.  

10. Flight Costs from Kansas

If you do make the move to Kansas, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

• London: $360
• New York: $75
• Los Angeles: $50
• Toronto: $180
• Vancouver: $150
• Dubai: $980
• Sydney: $630
• Melbourne: $780
• Cape Town: $780
• Hong Kong: $1,150

Other Tips on Moving to Kansas:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Kansas but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Kansas Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Kansas.

• Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
• Attend Local Events: Kansas always has something going on. Have a look at Kansas Tourism.

12. Moving to Kansas with a Family

Kansas is generally considered a family-friendly location with a variety of activities and attractions suitable for all ages, such as amusement parks, museums, and outdoor recreational areas. Crime rates in Kansas vary depending on the location, with some cities experiencing higher crime rates than others. Overall, however, the state has a lower crime rate compared to the national average.

• New Parents (or parents to be): Free and paid antenatal classes and courses exist. Have a look at Kansas City Pregnancy Clinic.
• Live in a Family-friendly Area: Located in Johnson County, Overland Park is a popular and affluent suburb of Kansas City with highly-rated schools, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and numerous parks and recreational areas. Home to Kansas State University, Manhattan is a college town with a low crime rate, good schools, and a range of cultural and recreational activities for families.
• Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Kansas. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Kansas for Work

While it is possible to move to Kansas without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in Kansas include agriculture, aerospace, manufacturing, and healthcare. The state has a diversified economy with a range of businesses both large and small, including many international corporations.

As of March 2022, the unemployment rate in Kansas is around 2.8%, which is lower than the national average.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

• Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale.
• How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Kansas from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Kansas, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

• Size Comparison: The population of Kansas is roughly equivalent to the combined population of two Australian states: South Australia and Tasmania. 
• Join Expat Groups: Start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Kansas from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Kansas. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

• Size: The population of Kansas is approximately 2.9 million people. A Canadian province that has a similar population size to Kansas is Manitoba, which has a population of around 1.4 million people.
• Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process.  Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Kansas from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Kansas. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

• Size: The population of Kansas is comparable in size to the population of Scotland, which has a population of around 5.5 million people.
• Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Kansas, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Kansas you can start by comparing moving quotes here.