Moving from Tyler, TX to Wichita, KS
Relocating between Tyler, TX and Wichita, KS is a 460 mi drive β 8h 7m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
460 mi Β· 8h 7m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 20, OK 9 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco, Lewisville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Wichita | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 88.946 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 88.459 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 94.027 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 66.245 | 100.0 |
Tyler and Wichita sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Wichita run about 3.5% cheaper β ZHVI $251,563 β $202,720 (2026-03).
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Wichita +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 12.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 34.3" |
Expect 8.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Wichita sees 12.7 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, WICHITA, KS US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Wichita |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 396,488 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $63,072 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 19.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.52 |
Household income lines up β $65,527 vs $63,072 on ACS 5-year 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 Texas 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.
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 does household income compare in Tyler vs Wichita?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,072 in Wichita vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 3.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Wichita, KS from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 460 mi and the route typically takes 8h 7m via I 35 and I 20. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Wichita more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Wichita is 3.5% lower than Tyler (88.946 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Wichita compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,790 in the Wichita MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 303,910 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Wichita?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 460 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 Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $202,720 in Wichita vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 19.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Wichita, KS.