Moving from Kansas City, KS to West Palm Beach, FL
Relocating 1405 mi from Kansas City to West Palm Beach is a 25h 59m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1405 mi Β· 25h 59m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | West Palm Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
West Palm Beach is 23.4% more expensive than Kansas City on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $198,195 in Kansas City to $399,471 in West Palm Beach, a 23.4% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, West Palm Beach -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 76Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 58Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 61.7" |
Annual average temperature jumps 18.9Β°F β 56.9Β°F in Kansas City vs 75.8Β°F in West Palm Beach, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | West Palm Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 119,508 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $69,261 |
| Median age | 34 | 40.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 23.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.37 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 23.4% higher in West Palm Beach than Kansas City.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Palm Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Palm Beach average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: West Palm Beach averages 61.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in West Palm Beach compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $399,471 in West Palm Beach vs $198,195 in Kansas City β a 101.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is West Palm Beach, FL from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 1405 mi and the route typically takes 25h 59m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs West Palm Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $69,261 in West Palm Beach vs $59,183 in Kansas City β a 17.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in West Palm Beach compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the West Palm Beach MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 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 West Palm Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1405 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is West Palm Beach more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Palm Beach is 23.4% higher than Kansas City (114.155 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 Β· West Palm Beach, FL.