Moving from Kansas City, KS to Richmond, VA
A move from Kansas City, KS to Richmond, VA covers 1079 mi and around 20h 12m of driving through 7 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.
1079 mi · 20h 12m by car · VA → WV → KY → IN → IL → MO → KS
Distance & route
| Route through | VA → WV → KY → IN → IL → MO → KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 64, I 70, SR 62 |
| Major cities en route | Evansville, St Louis, Columbia, Kansas City, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Richmond | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 97.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 89.221 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 96.773 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 99.136 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Richmond is 5.7% higher than Kansas City, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Richmond is 5.7% above Kansas City — $198,195 vs $369,646 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Richmond +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Kansas City | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 59°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 29°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | 8.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 45.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Kansas City (56.9°F) and Richmond (58.9°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Richmond averages 8.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, RICHMOND INTL AP, VA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Richmond |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 227,595 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $62,671 |
| Median age | 34 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 26% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.23 |
Median household income in Richmond is 5.7% above Kansas City ($59,183 → $62,671, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Richmond MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 82,810 | $43,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 61,000 | $36,060 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 58,830 | $43,620 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 57,620 | $78,170 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 50,860 | $30,140 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Virginia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Virginia'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-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Kansas City and Richmond?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 58.9°F in Richmond vs 56.9°F in Kansas City (2.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 8.8 in vs 11.0 in. Annual precipitation: 45.5 in vs 38.1 in.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Richmond?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,671 in Richmond vs $59,183 in Kansas City — a 5.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Richmond, VA from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 1079 mi and the route typically takes 20h 12m via I 64 and I 70. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Richmond compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $369,646 in Richmond vs $198,195 in Kansas City — a 86.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Richmond compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,470 in the Richmond MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 647,440 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Richmond?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1079 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Richmond more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Richmond is 5.7% higher than Kansas City (97.858 vs 92.543, 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS · Richmond, VA.