Moving from Madison, WI to Wichita, KS
A move from Madison, WI to Wichita, KS covers 672 mi and around 12h 36m of driving through 4 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.
672 mi Β· 12h 36m by car Β· KS β MO β IA β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IA β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, MO 110, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.287 to 88.946, putting Wichita roughly 8.6% below Madison on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Wichita: 8.6% below Madison on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 34.3" |
Wichita runs 10.5Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°F vs 57.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.7 in of snowfall annually at Wichita.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.52 |
Median household income in Wichita is 8.6% below Madison ($76,983 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 Wisconsin 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
How does household income compare in Madison vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $76,983 in Madison β a 18.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Wichita, KS from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 672 mi and the route typically takes 12h 36m via I 35 and MO 110. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Wichita more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 8.6% lower than Madison (88.946 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 672 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $423,767 in Madison β a 52.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Wichita, KS.