Moving from Newark, NJ to Wichita, KS
It is 1376 mi between Newark and Wichita — roughly 26h 1m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1376 mi · 26h 1m by car · KS → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL → IN → OH → WV → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 35, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP drops from 112.563 in Newark to 88.946 in Wichita, a 21.0% cut on the overall price level (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 21.0% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $478,455 to $202,720 moving to Wichita.
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 34.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Newark (54.8°F) and Wichita (57.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (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: HARRISON, NJ US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.52 |
Wichita households earn about 21.0% more than Newark at the median — $48,416 → $63,072 on 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 New Jersey 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.
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 Newark and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 54.8°F in Newark (2.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 50.4 in.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $48,416 in Newark — a 30.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $478,455 in Newark — a 57.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newark 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 1376 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Wichita, KS from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 1376 mi and the route typically takes 26h 1m via I 70 and I 35. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Wichita more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 21.0% lower than Newark (88.946 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Wichita, KS.