Moving from St. Paul, MN to Kansas City, KS
The 445 mi from St. Paul to Kansas City translate to about 8h 13m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
445 mi Β· 8h 13m 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 35E, I 635 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Des Moines, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Kansas City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Kansas City is 11.7% cheaper than St. Paul overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Kansas City +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 57Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 11.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 38.1" |
Climate warms by 10.4Β°F on the annual average β 46.5Β°F β 56.9Β°F.
Kansas City averages 11.0 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 154,776 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $59,183 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.72 |
Income steps down 11.7%: $73,055 in St. Paul vs $59,183 in Kansas City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kansas City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Kansas City average 90Β°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 (10.4Β°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
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Kansas City?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 445 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 Kansas City compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Kansas City more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kansas City is 11.7% lower than St. Paul (92.543 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Kansas City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,183 in Kansas City vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 19.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Kansas City, KS from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 445 mi and the route typically takes 8h 13m via I 35 and I 35E. The trip crosses 4 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 St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Kansas City, KS.