Moving from Wichita, KS to Waco, TX
Relocating between Wichita, KS and Waco, TX is a 449 mi drive — 7h 56m 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.
449 mi · 7h 56m by car · KS → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 35W, OK 9 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Denton, Frisco, Plano |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 88.946 vs 92.55 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $202,720 vs $194,245.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wichita | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 67°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 36°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 95°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 37.5" |
Expect 8.9°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Waco gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.1% lower in Waco than Wichita.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95°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
Is Waco more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 4.1% higher than Wichita (92.55 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Waco, TX from Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 449 mi and the route typically takes 7h 56m via I 35 and I 35W. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Wichita to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 449 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Wichita and Waco?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 66.6°F in Waco vs 57.7°F in Wichita (8.9°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 12.7 in. Annual precipitation: 37.5 in vs 34.3 in.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $63,072 in Wichita — a 18.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Waco compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 125,640 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $202,720 in Wichita — a 4.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS · Waco, TX.