Moving from Surprise, AZ to Wichita, KS
It is 1056 mi between Surprise and Wichita — roughly 19h 2m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1056 mi · 19h 2m by car · KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX → NM → AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Surprise | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Expect about 13.9% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Wichita at 88.946 vs Surprise at 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.9% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $422,473 to $202,720 moving to Wichita.
YoY change: Surprise -2.4%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Surprise | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 58°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 93°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 34.3" |
Annual temperature drops 12.5°F moving to Wichita per NOAA normals.
Wichita averages 12.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Surprise | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,519 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $93,371 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 41.6 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.52 |
Wichita households earn about 13.9% less than Surprise at the median — $93,371 → $63,072 on 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 Arizona 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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
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 (12.5°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
Is Wichita more expensive than Surprise?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 13.9% lower than Surprise (88.946 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Surprise?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $48,600 in the Surprise MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Surprise and Wichita?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 57.7°F in Wichita vs 70.2°F in Surprise (12.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 12.7 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 34.3 in vs 9.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Wichita compared to Surprise?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $422,473 in Surprise — a 52.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Surprise vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $93,371 in Surprise — a 32.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Wichita, KS from Surprise, AZ?
The driving distance is 1056 mi and the route typically takes 19h 2m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Surprise 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 1056 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Surprise.
City profiles: Surprise, AZ · Wichita, KS.