Moving to Kansas Guide

Moving to Kansas: The Complete Guide

Kansas is full of wide-open skies, friendly towns, and affordable living. But it also has strong winds, rural roads, and fewer big-city services. If you're considering moving to Kansas, this guide gives you a complete look at what to expect, from the cost of living and jobs to weather and community life.

What You’ll Learn

In this 2025 guide, you’ll discover how Kansas compares to other states:

• Kansas’s cost of living and housing market

• What jobs are growing, and where to find them

• How weather, healthcare, and transportation affect daily life

Overview

Kansas offers a compelling mix of affordable living, economic opportunities, and quality of life benefits for those considering relocation. The Sunflower State features a cost of living below the national average, diverse job markets across several industries, and communities ranging from vibrant cities to quiet small towns.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Cost of Living & Housing

Kansas boasts the third-lowest cost of living in the United States, with housing, food, and transportation costs all below national averages. The median home price is approximately $229,500 (about 45% lower than the national median), though prices vary by location, with higher costs in the suburbs of Kansas City.

Job Market & Economy

The state features diverse employment sectors including aerospace, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. Kansas' employment growth rate of 1.3% over the past year is steady but lags behind some neighboring states, with unemployment at 3.3% as of recent reports.

Top Cities & Communities

Overland Park consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S., offering excellent schools, job opportunities, and recreation options. Other highly rated communities include Lawrence (home to the University of Kansas), Wichita (the largest city), Manhattan, Olathe, Topeka (the state capital), and Leawood.

Education System

Kansas maintains a comprehensive education system governed by the Kansas State Board of Education. Two hundred eighty-seven school districts serve nearly 500,000 students. The state boasts respected higher education institutions, including the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, which have combined enrollments of over 93,000 students.

Weather & Climate

Kansas experiences four distinct seasons with average high temperatures ranging from 31°F in January to 81°F in July. The state ranks second nationally for tornado activity with an average of 87 tornadoes annually, behind only Texas.

Healthcare Services

The University of Kansas Health System is a primary healthcare provider with over 18,000 employees across 140 locations, including the region's only nationally verified Level I Trauma Center. Healthcare is one of the state's growing employment sectors, with nursing positions frequently in high demand.

Culture & Recreation

Kansas offers rich cultural experiences, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and vibrant sports culture (particularly around Kansas City with the Chiefs, Royals, and Sporting KC). The state features numerous parks, recreational areas, and outdoor activities, with Lawrence alone home to over 50 parks and miles of trails.

Other Notable Considerations:

• Transportation Infrastructure: Kansas is benefiting from federal infrastructure investment to improve roads, bridges, airports, and rail systems across the state.

• Taxes: Recent legislation modified income tax rates and increased standard deductions for Kansas residents, affecting the overall tax burden.

• Community Spirit: Many Kansas communities are known for their friendly, tight-knit atmospheres that welcome newcomers.

Why Are People Moving to Kansas?

Many people move to Kansas for its low cost of living, steady job opportunities, and welcoming communities. Families and retirees find the state appealing because of its affordable housing, open spaces, and quieter way of life. Cities like Wichita and Kansas City offer aviation, healthcare, and logistics employment, while rural towns provide room to grow and strong local ties.

While Kansas faces challenges like extreme weather and limited public transportation, its mix of affordability, strong community life, and growing industries continues to attract new residents.

10 Essential Considerations for Moving to Kansas

1. Cost of Living

Kansas is about 14% below the national average, making it one of the most affordable states in the country.

In most parts of Kansas, your money goes further. Smaller cities and rural towns offer better deals on housing, food, and daily costs. Families can expect lower grocery bills and affordable rents or home prices. But, it's smart to plan for slightly higher energy costs in winter and summer due to heating and cooling needs.

• Housing: Home prices are 31% lower than the U.S. average. Cities like Manhattan and Hutchinson are slightly higher than other areas, but still affordable.

• Groceries: Food prices are about 5% lower than the national average.

• Healthcare: Costs align with the national average, though rural access may vary.

• Transportation: Gas and car-related costs are 9% below average.

• Utilities: Energy costs are a bit higher during weather extremes.

2. Employment Opportunities

Kansas has jobs in aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The job market continues to grow in metro areas, and there are more remote jobs than in the past. Still, rural locations may offer fewer options and slower internet, which can affect remote work.

Wichita plays a significant role in the aviation sector, while healthcare and logistics are expanding in Topeka and Kansas City. If you're looking for jobs in farming, Kansas is one of the nation's top wheat and sorghum producers.

• Aviation: Wichita is the "Air Capital of the World" with companies like Textron Aviation and Spirit AeroSystems.

• Agriculture: The state is a national leader in grain production.

• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics are hiring in most urban areas.

• Manufacturing and Logistics: Growing across major cities.

• Remote Work: More available now, but it depends on internet access.

3. Housing Market

Kansas offers steady housing prices and good value, especially for first-time buyers or retirees. The market varies by location. Cities have more competition and slightly higher prices, while rural areas offer more space and better affordability, but fewer nearby services.

• Urban Demand: Wichita and Kansas City have growing real estate markets.

• Small-Town Value: Lower prices with trade-offs like longer commutes

• Renting: Rents are below the national average in most locations.

Kansas is a solid place to buy or rent a home without stretching your budget.

4. Climate and Weather

Kansas weather can be unpredictable. It has hot summers, cold winters, and a strong storm season. People here learn to prepare for anything—from icy roads to sudden tornado warnings.

• Summers: Hot and humid, often over 90°F.

• Winters: Cold with snowfall and icy roads.

• Spring: Tornado season with strong winds and heavy rain.

• Fall: Cooler and calmer, with colorful leaves.

Sound insulation, storm shelters, and backup plans help Kansans stay safe through the seasons. Outdoor lovers can still enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping throughout the year.

5. Transportation

Kansas is car-friendly, but public transportation is limited outside major cities. People almost always need to own a car, especially in smaller towns where services are spread out.

Highways like I-70 and I-35 make traveling between regions easy. Winters can bring slick roads, so snow tires and emergency kits are recommended. While public transit is available in Wichita and Kansas City, most residents rely on personal vehicles.

• Highways: Good coverage across the state.

• Gas Prices: Cheaper than the national average.

• Winter Driving: Conditions can be dangerous during storms.

• Public Transit: Exists, but not widespread.

6. Healthcare Access

Access to healthcare depends on where you live. Cities have strong medical centers, while rural regions often rely on smaller clinics. Telehealth services are helping bridge the gap, especially for general checkups.

• Urban Areas: Full-service hospitals and specialists.

• Rural Areas: Clinics with fewer specialists.

• Telemedicine: Useful for rural residents needing remote care.

Living near a city can make a big difference in healthcare convenience.

7. Groceries and Local Food

Food prices in Kansas are lower than average. With intense local farming, many people buy fresh produce and meat from nearby farms or farmers’ markets. Grocery chains are also widely available in cities.

People living in remote areas tend to stock up on essentials to avoid long trips. Cooking at home, buying in bulk, and shopping seasonally all help reduce grocery costs.

• Farmers’ Markets: Open in warmer months.

• Local Goods: Wheat, beef, corn, and fresh vegetables

• Cost Saving: Smart shopping habits lower grocery bills.

8. Education

Kansas offers public, private, and college-level education. The quality of K-12 schools depends on the district, and urban areas tend to provide more resources.

Kansas State University and the University of Kansas are well-respected and offer strong academic programs. Smaller rural schools may have limited course options but offer a close-knit learning environment.

• Public Schools: Quality varies by region.

• Higher Education: KU and K-State are top institutions.

• Private Schools: Available in larger towns.
  
  

Families should research schools in their area before choosing where to live.

9. Community Life

Kansas communities are known for being tight-knit and supportive. Locals find many ways to unite, from summer parades to fall festivals. Faith-based groups, school activities, and sports are significant parts of social life.

Whether you settle in a city or a rural town, most newcomers quickly receive a warm welcome. Supporting local businesses, volunteering, and attending public events are great ways to meet neighbors and build friendships.

• Events: Fairs, parades, sports, and festivals.

• Volunteering: Common in churches and schools.

• Connection: It is key to feel part of the community.

10. Adjusting to Life

New residents often take time to adjust to the slower pace of life. If you're moving from a large metro area, Kansas may feel quieter and more laid-back. However, many appreciate the space, safety, and simplicity.

You may need to get used to relying on your planning, especially in rural areas where amenities aren't close. Extreme weather, fewer entertainment options, and long drives are typical—but so are friendly neighbors, lower bills, and peaceful evenings.

• Pace: Slower than in big cities.

• Lifestyle: Focused on family, work, and nature.

• Prep: Tornado kits, snow gear, and strong internet matter.

Final Thoughts on Moving to Kansas

Kansas offers excellent cost savings, job opportunities, and a strong community life. Though the weather can be intense and some areas are remote, many people find Kansas a safe, affordable, and rewarding place to call home.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is moving to Kansas financially savvy? 

Yes. Kansas’s cost of living is 14% below the national average, and housing is 31% cheaper, making it one of the most affordable states.

What are the biggest challenges of living in Kansas? 

Tornadoes, rural healthcare, and needing a car for daily life can be difficult.

What kinds of jobs are common in Kansas? 

Aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare are major industries. Cities have more job options, while rural areas focus on farming.

How do people prepare for tornadoes and storms? 

Storm shelters, emergency kits, and local alerts help residents stay safe.

Is healthcare good in Kansas? 

Yes, in cities, but rural areas may lack specialists. Telemedicine helps bridge the gap.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only. Despite every effort to ensure accuracy at the time of writing, living costs, housing prices, job markets, and other local conditions may change over time. Always conduct your research or consult with local professionals when making relocation decisions.