Moving from Springfield, MA to Wichita, KS
Cross-country relocations like Springfield, MA β Wichita, KS cover 1541 mi and about 28h 54m of driving through 9 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1541 mi Β· 28h 54m by car Β· KS β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β MO β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 80, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Olathe, Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Wichita is 7.4% cheaper than Springfield overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Wichita is 7.4% below Springfield β $294,613 vs $202,720 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 34.3" |
Climate warms by 8.3Β°F on the annual average β 49.4Β°F β 57.7Β°F.
Wichita averages 12.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.52 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 7.4% between Springfield and Wichita (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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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.
- 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 much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 31.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Wichita, KS from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 1541 mi and the route typically takes 28h 54m via I 70 and I 80. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 22.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Wichita more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 7.4% lower than Springfield (88.946 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1541 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 Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Wichita, KS.