Moving from Fort Worth, TX to Wichita, KS
Relocating between Fort Worth, TX and Wichita, KS is a 356 mi drive β 6h 16m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
356 mi Β· 6h 16m by car Β· TX β OK β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, US 77, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Worth | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.7% cheaper overall in Wichita than Fort Worth on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Fort Worth -2.8%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fort Worth | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 37Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 97Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 34.3" |
Expect 9.8Β°F colder 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: FT WORTH MEACHAM FLD NAAF, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Worth | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 941,311 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $76,602 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.52 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.7% lower in Wichita than Fort Worth.
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 Texas 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.
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.
- 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 much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Fort Worth?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $298,051 in Fort Worth β a 32.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Wichita more expensive than Fort Worth?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 13.7% lower than Fort Worth (88.946 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Fort Worth vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $76,602 in Fort Worth β a 17.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Fort Worth to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% 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 β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Wichita, KS from Fort Worth, TX?
The driving distance is 356 mi and the route typically takes 6h 16m via I 35 and US 77. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Fort Worth?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $48,440 in the Fort Worth MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 3,966,500 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 Fort Worth.
City profiles: Fort Worth, TX Β· Wichita, KS.