One of the main reasons people choose Kansas City over Chicago is to pay less money.
Therefore, you’re going to want to spend less on the actual move.
First thing’s first. How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Kansas City?
Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Chicago to Kansas City is $1,750-$3,250 depending on the size, route, and timing of the move. Hiring a professional moving company will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or using a moving container will save you money but also require a lot more work.
How much will your move cost?: This cost calculator will provide an immediate calculation of what your move should cost. Just plug in your moving dates, the size of your move, where you’re moving to/from and let the calculator do the rest.
Now, let’s get to it.
How Much Does It Cost to Move from Chicago to Kansas City?
| Moving Company | Moving Container | Freight Company | Truck Rental* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bedroom | $1,500-$1,850 | $1,240-$1,674 | $998-$1,418 | $612-$826 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $2,230-$3,800 | $1,846-$2,492 | $1,188-$1,688 | $720-$972 |
| 4+ bedroom | $2,990-$5,750 | $2,268-$3,062 | $1,330-$1,890 | $852-$1,150 |
*Estimates for truck rentals include fuel costs only. Other costs may include lodging, tolls, or parking.
Why Do the Prices Vary So Much?
The way you choose to move impacts cost. Professional moving companies eliminate a lot of the worries of an interstate move but cost more.
If you choose to move with a truck rental, you save a lot. But all the stress and physical labor of the move from packing and unpacking to driving the truck becomes your responsibility.
Freight companies and moving container companies offer a middle ground to moving yourself and hiring a moving service. They transport your belongings from point A to point B, but that’s all. You have to pack and unpack.
Inbound vs. Outbound State Demands Impacts Price
If more people are moving to a state, your move may cost you more.
Chicago fell below 9.5 million in population for the first time since 2010. Meanwhile, Missouri and especially Kansas City are experiencing a growth in population.
Major counties in Missouri grew by nearly 120,000 people between 2010 and 2017, according to United States Census Bureau data. That’s an increase of more than 6 percent, and continued growth is expected.
Offseason vs Peak Moving Season Impacts Price
The timing of your move can save you. Plan your move during the offseason (fall and winter). During moving season (spring and summer) moving costs spike across the industry.
Compare an offseason move with a moving season move:
- November 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $2,990-$5,750
- June 1: A five-bedroom house with professional movers: $4,735-$9,4335
To compare all the factors that impact your Chicago to Kansas City move, use a moving cost calculator to get an estimate that fits your budget.
Why Are People Moving from Chicago to Kansas City?
Aside from the bone-chilling winters, Chicago has other reasons to cause people to leave. Ever-rising taxes and cost of living are driving middle- and working-class populations out of the city.
Kansas City offers a fairly low cost of living which is attracting new residents. From housing to food, most everything you need is available for much less than most cities in the country. Moderate commutes and lots to do on the weekends makes a Chicago to Kansas City even move more appealing.
Best Places to Move in Kansas City
Mission Hills
Kansas City towns like Mission Hills offer a decent suburb for new families. Public schools, affordable housing and low crime are ideal for starting over in Missouri. Roeland Park is another that offers more affordable cost of living in a low population town.
Overland Park
Towns like Overland Park offer more of the great outdoors. With attractions like the Indian Creek Hike and Bike Trail, and the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden, you can always stay busy outside.
Brookside
Brookside is a bit more upscale with trendy restaurants, unique shops and cultural attractions. The Cost of living is slightly higher but with more to offer in the community for young professionals.
Leawood
Another upscale community in Kansas City in the town of Leawood. Just minutes from downtown, this district combines the best of quiet suburban life with overflow attractions and nightlife from the city. The town boasts great schools and lots of playgrounds and picnic spots for families. If you are looking for chic suburban life in Kansas City, this is it.
Kearney
New families are also flocking to Kearney. As one of the fastest growing cities in Kansas City, Kearney offers new construction single homes on a grand scale. Lots of local businesses fuel the economy from cafes and amphitheaters to keep new residents and their families busy on the weekends.
River Market
For foodies, the mecca of River Market offers local produce on the banks of the Missouri River. The eclectic community has become the home of startups and artists, making River Market an energizing locale for new residents.
Olathe
Olathe offers great opportunities with open lots for new builds. Families will love the scenic parks and the shopping experience of the Great Mall of the Great Plains. There is a bit of rural life as well with the Olathe Farmer’s Market providing fresh produce and meat for the gourmet cook and the foodie looking for inspiration.
Prairie Village
If you are looking for diverse housing options, Prairie Village may be your Kansas City destination. Lots of housing opportunities from new builds to historic remodels are available. The town is pedestrian-friendly so you can stroll to downtown to visit the bars and restaurants and view Arts and Crafts style homes.
Shawnee
Cities like Shawnee also offer diverse housing from contemporary condos for couples and retirees to new single-family homes. Like most towns on this list, they are located just outside the city limits for an easy commute to work.
Crossroads Arts District
The Crossroads Arts District is an enclave of boutiques and art galleries and other creative businesses. Small businesses abound making the Crossroads Arts District an international intersection in Kansas City.
Westport
Want more nightlife? Even though Westport is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kansas City it has developed a thriving nightlife that attracts singles who have just migrated to the city. Lots of annual events and festivals offer lots to do from Summer Beer Festivals to Holiday Open Houses.
Country Club Plaza
Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains and the Country Club Plaza district lives up to the name. The Neptune fountain located in this neighborhood is perhaps the most impressive in the whole city. Lots of great dining locations make Country Club perfect for families or singles.