Moving from Garland, TX to Wichita, KS
Moving from Garland, TX to Wichita, KS covers 369 mi and about 6h 29m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
369 mi Β· 6h 29m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Lewisville, Fort Worth |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garland | 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 |
Overall prices in Wichita are 13.7% below Garland β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Wichita typical home at $202,720 is 13.7% under Garland at $286,805 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Garland -5.4%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garland | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 34.3" |
Wichita is 8.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (65.8Β°F vs 57.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Significant snow at the destination: Wichita sees 12.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garland | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 245,298 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $74,717 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.3% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 3.04 | 2.52 |
Median household income in Wichita is 13.7% below Garland ($74,717 β $63,072, 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 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
Is Wichita more expensive than Garland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 13.7% lower than Garland (88.946 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Garland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $48,440 in the Garland 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.
When is the best time to move from Garland to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 369 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Garland vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $74,717 in Garland β a 15.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Garland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $286,805 in Garland β a 29.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Wichita, KS from Garland, TX?
The driving distance is 369 mi and the route typically takes 6h 29m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 3 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 Garland.
City profiles: Garland, TX Β· Wichita, KS.