Moving from Abilene, TX to Wichita, KS
It is a 450 mi drive, roughly 8h 7m, between Abilene, TX and Wichita, KS. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
450 mi · 8h 7m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 277, I 35, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Abilene | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.364 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.162 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 73.791 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 90.364 vs 88.946 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $210,016 vs $202,720.
YoY change: Abilene +5.2%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Abilene | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 34°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 96°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.7" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 25.2" | 34.3" |
Annual temperature drops 8.2°F moving to Wichita per NOAA normals.
Wichita averages 12.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ABILENE RGNL AP, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Abilene | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,130 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $62,720 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 32.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.6% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.52 |
Median household incomes in Abilene ($62,720) and Wichita ($63,072) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Wichita MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 36,200 | $38,160 |
| Production Occupations | 30,560 | $49,520 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 26,850 | $27,770 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 25,880 | $31,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 23,580 | $37,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Abilene and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 65.9°F in Abilene (8.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 3.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 25.2 in.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Abilene?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $210,016 in Abilene — a 3.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Abilene to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 450 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Wichita more expensive than Abilene?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 1.6% lower than Abilene (88.946 vs 90.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Abilene?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $38,680 in the Abilene MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 72,780 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Abilene vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $62,720 in Abilene — a 0.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Wichita, KS from Abilene, TX?
The driving distance is 450 mi and the route typically takes 8h 7m via US 277 and I 35. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Abilene.
City profiles: Abilene, TX · Wichita, KS.