Moving from Kansas City, KS to Round Rock, TX
Relocating 712 mi from Kansas City to Round Rock is a 12h 19m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
712 mi · 12h 19m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, I 35W |
| Major cities en route | Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.0% above Kansas City — 92.543 → 98.066 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.0% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 34 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.0% — $59,183 → $97,187 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
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
- 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 household income compare in Kansas City vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $59,183 in Kansas City — a 64.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 6.0% higher than Kansas City (98.066 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 712 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $198,195 in Kansas City — a 105.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 712 mi and the route typically takes 12h 19m via I 35 and I 470. 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS · Round Rock, TX.