Moving from Orlando, FL to Wichita, KS
A move from Orlando, FL to Wichita, KS covers 1343 mi and around 24h 58m of driving through 8 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.
1343 mi · 24h 58m by car · KS → OK → AR → TN → MS → AL → GA → FL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → AR → TN → MS → AL → GA → FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 78, US 280 |
| Major cities en route | Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Little Rock, Memphis, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Orlando | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.418 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.196 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.374 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 101.418 to 88.946, putting Wichita roughly 12.3% below Orlando on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Wichita: 12.3% below Orlando on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Orlando -3.5%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Orlando | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 50°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.5" | 34.3" |
Major climate step-down: 15.3°F cooler annual average in Wichita vs Orlando.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.7 in of snowfall annually at Wichita.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ORLANDO INTL AP, FL US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Orlando | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 311,732 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $69,268 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 35.1 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.1% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.52 |
Median household income in Wichita is 12.3% below Orlando ($69,268 → $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 Florida 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 — 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-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
- Winter gear first: Wichita averages 12.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Wichita average 93°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 colder climate (15.3°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — 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 Orlando vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $69,268 in Orlando — a 8.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Orlando?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $43,120 in the Orlando MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 1,366,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Wichita more expensive than Orlando?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 12.3% lower than Orlando (88.946 vs 101.418, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Orlando and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 73.0°F in Orlando (15.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 51.5 in.
How far is Wichita, KS from Orlando, FL?
The driving distance is 1343 mi and the route typically takes 24h 58m via I 40 and US 78. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Orlando to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1343 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Orlando?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $374,136 in Orlando — a 45.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Orlando.
City profiles: Orlando, FL · Wichita, KS.