Moving from Kansas City, MO to Garland, TX
The 492 mi from Kansas City to Garland translate to about 9h 22m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
492 mi Β· 9h 22m by car Β· MO β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 69, US 75, US 64 |
| Major cities en route | Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Garland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Garland is 11.4% higher than Kansas City, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Garland is 11.4% above Kansas City ($286,805 vs $250,208 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, Garland -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Kansas City | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 41.9" |
Climate warms by 8.9Β°F on the annual average β 56.9Β°F β 65.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 245,298 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $74,717 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 34.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 16.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 3.04 |
Income steps up 11.4%: $67,449 in Kansas City vs $74,717 in Garland.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Garland MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Missouri 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 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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Garland average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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
Is Garland more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Garland is 11.4% higher than Kansas City (103.09 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Garland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $74,717 in Garland vs $67,449 in Kansas City β a 10.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Garland, TX from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 492 mi and the route typically takes 9h 22m via US 69 and US 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Garland compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Garland MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Garland compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,805 in Garland vs $250,208 in Kansas City β a 14.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Garland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 492 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO Β· Garland, TX.