Moving from Dallas, TX to Wichita, KS
The 365 mi from Dallas to Wichita translate to about 6h 29m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
365 mi · 6h 29m by car · TX → OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Garland, Mesquite, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dallas | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Wichita are 13.7% below Dallas — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Wichita typical home at $202,720 is 13.7% under Dallas at $309,421 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Dallas -3.6%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dallas | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 38°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.7" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.3" | 34.3" |
Climate cools by 10.3°F on the annual average — 68.0°F → 57.7°F.
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: DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dallas | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,299,553 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $67,760 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.9% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.52 |
Income steps down 13.7%: $67,760 in Dallas vs $63,072 in Wichita.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.3°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
How does household income compare in Dallas vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $67,760 in Dallas — a 6.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Wichita more expensive than Dallas?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 13.7% lower than Dallas (88.946 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Dallas and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 68.0°F in Dallas (10.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 1.7 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 38.3 in.
How far is Wichita, KS from Dallas, TX?
The driving distance is 365 mi and the route typically takes 6h 29m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Dallas?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $48,440 in the Dallas MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Dallas 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 365 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Dallas?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $309,421 in Dallas — a 34.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dallas.
City profiles: Dallas, TX · Wichita, KS.