Moving from Savannah, GA to Wichita, KS
Relocating 1205 mi from Savannah to Wichita is a 21h 31m drive through 7 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.
1205 mi · 21h 31m by car · KS → OK → AR → TN → MS → AL → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → AR → TN → MS → AL → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 78, I 16 |
| 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
| Savannah | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.6% cheaper overall in Wichita than Savannah on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.6% drop on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Savannah | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 34.3" |
Expect 9.8°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 12.7 in of snowfall annually at Wichita.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.52 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.6% higher in Wichita than Savannah.
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 Georgia 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.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Savannah 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 1205 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Wichita more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 6.6% lower than Savannah (88.946 vs 95.206, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Wichita, KS from Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 1205 mi and the route typically takes 21h 31m via I 40 and US 78. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Savannah and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 67.5°F in Savannah (9.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 48.1 in.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $326,509 in Savannah — a 37.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Savannah vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $56,782 in Savannah — a 11.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 188,970 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 Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA · Wichita, KS.