Moving from Birmingham, AL to Wichita, KS
A move from Birmingham, AL to Wichita, KS covers 813 mi and around 14h 17m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
813 mi · 14h 17m by car · KS → OK → AR → TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → AR → TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 78, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Little Rock, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Wichita and Birmingham is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Wichita is 2.9% above Birmingham — $135,870 vs $202,720 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 34.3" |
Wichita is 6.2°F cooler on the annual average (63.9°F vs 57.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.52 |
Median household income in Wichita is 2.9% above Birmingham ($44,376 vs $63,072, ACS 5-year 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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in 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
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 42.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 49.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham 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 813 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Wichita more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 2.9% lower than Birmingham (88.946 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Wichita, KS from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 813 mi and the route typically takes 14h 17m via I 40 and US 78. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Birmingham and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 63.9°F in Birmingham (6.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 1.4 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 56.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Wichita, KS.