Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Wichita, KS
Relocating 634 mi from Minneapolis to Wichita is a 11h 24m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
634 mi Β· 11h 24m by car Β· MN β IA β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Des Moines, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 15.1% cheaper overall in Wichita than Minneapolis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 34.3" |
Expect 11.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.7 in of snowfall annually at Wichita.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.52 |
Expect median household income to fall 15.1% β $80,269 β $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 Minnesota 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93Β°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 (11.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β 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 far is Wichita, KS from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 634 mi and the route typically takes 11h 24m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Wichita more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 15.1% lower than Minneapolis (88.946 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 21.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 38.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 634 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Wichita, KS.