Moving from Kansas City, KS to Austin, TX
Relocating 728 mi from Kansas City to Austin is a 12h 33m drive through 3 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.
728 mi · 12h 33m by car · TX → OK → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 335 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Austin runs about 6.0% more expensive overall than Kansas City — RPP 92.543 → 98.066.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $198,195 in Kansas City to $508,530 in Austin, a 6.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Kansas City | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 70°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 42°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 36.3" |
Expect 13.1°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Austin sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.2 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.0% — $59,183 → $91,461 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97°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 warmer climate (13.1°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Austin more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 6.0% higher than Kansas City (98.066 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Kansas City and Austin?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 70.0°F in Austin vs 56.9°F in Kansas City (13.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.2 in vs 11.0 in. Annual precipitation: 36.3 in vs 38.1 in.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $59,183 in Kansas City — a 54.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 728 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $198,195 in Kansas City — a 156.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Austin, TX from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 728 mi and the route typically takes 12h 33m via I 35 and US 77. 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS · Austin, TX.