Moving from Wichita, KS to Denton, TX
It is a 324 mi drive, roughly 5h 42m, between Wichita, KS and Denton, TX. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
324 mi Β· 5h 42m by car Β· KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, OK 9, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Frisco, Lewisville, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Denton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.9% above Wichita β 88.946 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Denton -4.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Wichita | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 34Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 38.4" |
Annual temperature rises 7.7Β°F moving to Denton per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, DENTON 2 SE, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Denton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 146,987 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $73,719 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 31 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 25.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.72 |
Households in Denton earn about 15.9% more at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Denton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Kansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Denton average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Denton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,719 in Denton vs $63,072 in Wichita β a 16.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Denton more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Denton is 15.9% higher than Wichita (103.09 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Denton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 324 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 Denton compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $354,135 in Denton vs $202,720 in Wichita β a 74.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Denton, TX from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 324 mi and the route typically takes 5h 42m via I 35 and OK 9. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Denton compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Denton MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 303,910 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS Β· Denton, TX.