Moving from Alexandria, VA to Wichita, KS
Relocating 1254 mi from Alexandria to Wichita is a 23h 48m drive through 9 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1254 mi · 23h 48m by car · KS → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → MD → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → MD → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, US 40, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 18.3% moving from Alexandria to Wichita — meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $676,205 in Alexandria to $202,720 in Wichita, a 18.3% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Alexandria | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 34.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 59.3°F vs 57.7°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Wichita sees 12.7 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.52 |
Expect median household income to fall 18.3% — $113,638 → $63,072 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Virginia 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 Alexandria and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 59.3°F in Alexandria (1.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 13.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 41.8 in.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 70.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Wichita more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 18.3% lower than Alexandria (88.946 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria 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 1254 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 44.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Wichita, KS from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 1254 mi and the route typically takes 23h 48m via I 70 and US 40. The trip crosses 9 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 Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Wichita, KS.