Moving from Wichita, KS to Irving, TX
The 356 mi from Wichita to Irving translate to about 6h 19m 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.
356 mi · 6h 19m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Irving | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.946 in Wichita to 103.09 in Irving, a 15.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Irving: 15.9% above Wichita on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Irving -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wichita | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 96°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | 1.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 37.0" |
Climate warms by 8.9°F on the annual average — 57.7°F → 66.6°F.
Light snow year: Irving gets around 1.6 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, DALLAS FT WORTH AP, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Irving |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 255,036 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $79,641 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 32.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 24.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.71 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 15.9% between Wichita and Irving (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Irving MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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 Irving average 96°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
How does the job market in Irving compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Irving MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Irving, TX from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 356 mi and the route typically takes 6h 19m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Irving?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,641 in Irving vs $63,072 in Wichita — a 26.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Irving?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 356 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Irving compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $341,503 in Irving vs $202,720 in Wichita — a 68.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Wichita and Irving?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Irving vs 57.7°F in Wichita (8.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.6 in vs 12.7 in. Annual precipitation: 37.0 in vs 34.3 in.
Is Irving more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Irving is 15.9% higher than Wichita (103.09 vs 88.946, 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS · Irving, TX.