Best Kansas to California Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Kansas to California and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,542 mile KS to CA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 309 Kansas to California moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $7,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Kansas compared to California. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Kansas to California Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Kansas to California Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
3American Movers9.038.93Authorized For HHGContact
4College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving8.538.56Authorized For HHGContact
5It's Your Move8.468.48Authorized For HHGContact
6Titan Moving8.398.66Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Kansas to California

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,542 miles from Kansas to California will cost on average $3,093 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom KS to CA move is roughly $7,450. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Kansas and dropoff in California as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Kansas to California movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,077300 ft³6.92
1 Bedroom$3,093450 ft³6.87
2 Bedrooms$5,117750 ft³6.82
3 Bedrooms$7,4501100 ft³6.77
4 Bedrooms$10,7561600 ft³6.72
5+ Bedrooms$12,0101800 ft³6.67
*Please note: These Kansas to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Kansas & California. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed KS to CA mover.
Kansas iconArrow iconCalifornia icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Kansas guide.

Popular moving destinations background image

Popular Kansas to California Moving Destinations

Make an easier move when you book with the best.

See All Routes >

Trusted moving guides helping you move from Kansas to California

Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.

Compare the 6 Best KS to CA Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
American Movers Logo

American Movers

Superb9.03/10
based on 2,901+ data points

1324 S Handley St

Wichita, KS, 67213

About American Movers

American Movers has been in business since 2003 and has earned an A+ rating over the decades. The company is proud...

Services

  • Full-service pack and move
  • Help with large or treasured items
  • Residential and Commercial Storage Units

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1698749 / 946526

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved82,100 (2023)
View Full Review
3
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Logo

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

Fabulous8.53/10
based on 1,623+ data points

7963 E Frontage Rd

Overland Park, KS, 66204

About College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

Since 2005, College H.U.N.K.S. (which stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service) has provided moving, junk hauling, and end-to-end relocation services...

Services

  • Full-service moving company
  • Junk Removal & Trash Pickup
  • Hourly moving & packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3286258 / 1425657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved125,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
It's Your Move Logo

It's Your Move

Fabulous8.46/10
based on 139+ data points

1820 Felix Ave

Parsons, KS, 67357

About It's Your Move

It’s Your Move is one of the most honest and trustworthy moving companies in Parsons, KS. It has been helping people...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3084348 / 68462

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved24,000 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Titan Moving Logo

Titan Moving

Fabulous8.39/10
based on 1,458+ data points

2920 N Ridge Rd

Wichita, KS, 67205

About Titan Moving

Titan Moving is the premier Wichita moving company offering full-service moves. Locally owned and operated, Titan Moving offers affordable residential and...

Services

  • Local and Long Distance Moving Services
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Free Estimates

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2727872 / 924278

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas to California

Moving from Kansas to California is a journey of both excitement and adjustment. These charts aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you weigh the Cons of Kansas against the Pros of California , and vice versa. Let this guide illuminate the path to making an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Kansas iconKansas
  • Cold winters
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Lower average salary
California iconCalifornia
  • Milder winters
  • Greater diversity
  • More job opportunities in tech, entertainment
  • Higher average salary
  • More liberal culture
California iconCalifornia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Higher property prices
  • More traffic
  • Crowded in cities
  • Can feel isolated
Kansas iconKansas
  • Lower cost of living
  • Lower property prices
  • Less traffic
  • Wide-open spaces
  • Strong community feel

While weighing the pros and cons of moving from Kansas to California, consider the vibrant diversity and job opportunities in burgeoning hubs like Silicon Valley and Los Angeles, each with renowned establishments like Apple in Cupertino or iconic sights such as the Hollywood Sign. Though the higher cost of living in California is a significant factor, the potential for a higher average salary in industries such as tech or entertainment could offset this. Despite facing potential hurdles like traffic congestion in cities like Los Angeles, California’s milder winters, scenic coastal drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, and diverse culinary scene from San Francisco’s Fisherman's Wharf to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter present enriching experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.

Kansas vs. California Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Kansas & California sheds light on how food reflects the culture and lifestyle of an area. Understanding the differences and similarities will better prepare you for the vibrant food scenes awaiting in your new home.

KansasCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsCalifornia Roll
Most popular meat dishSmoked BrisketTri-tip Steak
Most popular street food itemBeef SlidersFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Q39
  • Arthur Bryant's
  • Chez Panisse
  • Nopa
  • Gjelina
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Moving from Kansas to California will notably change your local dining options. In California, the abundance of fresh produce influences a diverse and health-conscious cuisine, evident in popular dishes like Fish Tacos and Avocado Toast. Regions such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are hubs for food innovation, offering an array of food trucks and vegan options. The state is also home to trend-setting restaurants such as Chez Panisse in Berkeley, known for pioneering farm-to-table dining. No matter where you are in California, there's an exciting and diverse food scene waiting for you.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Kansas vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move from Kansas to California, understanding the real estate landscape is critical. This comparison highlights key aspects of housing such as cost, architecture, and urban lifestyle in both states. Such insights offer a clearer picture of what to expect in your new home.

ComparisonKansasCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleRanchSpanish Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious BackyardsEco-friendly Features

While both Kansas and California offer unique living experiences, the vast difference in cost of living, especially housing, is notable. California, known for its breathtaking coastlines and vibrant urban centers, demands a premium for its real estate. Unlike Kansas, where the median home price is significantly lower, offering more space, often with large backyards perfect for families. Additionally, California's urban lifestyle scores higher due to its walkable cities and commitment to sustainability, seen in eco-friendly features popular in real estate listings.

Kansas vs. California Weather Considerations

Understanding the weather differences is crucial when relocating from one state to another. This guide will show you how the weather in Kansas compares to California, helping you prepare for what's ahead. Whether it's the sunny days, the humidity levels, or the average temperatures, our comparison will ease your transition.

Summer icon
91/69

Kansas

85/60

California

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
40/20

Kansas

60/45

California

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
28-50

Kansas

22-45 (varies widely)

California

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
12-30

Kansas

0-400+ (mountain areas)

California

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonKansasCalifornia
Air QualityModerateVaries widely, often poorer
Natural DisastersTornadoes, StormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Kansas to California, you'll enjoy more sunny days annually, a warmer winter, and milder summer nights. However, it's important to note the diversity of Californian climates, which can range drastically from beaches to mountains. Coastal areas offer mild weather year-round, while mountain areas can experience significant snowfall, unlike Kansas. Additionally, while both states face natural disasters, California's earthquakes and wildfires present different preparedness challenges than Kansas's familiar tornadoes and storms. Adapting to these changes requires some planning, but understanding these differences is the first step toward acclimation.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Kansas to California

Moving from one location to another demands a thorough understanding of financial adjustments you'll need to make. This chart provides a clear comparison on financial aspects between Kansas and California, highlighting the cost of living, income, and taxes to help you prepare for your move.

ComparisonKansasCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$68,925$91,551
Cost of Living Index91.8136.4
State Income Tax3.1 - 5.71 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax1.40.77
Avg. Sales Tax8.688.82
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, AerospaceTechnology, Entertainment, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

When considering a move from Kansas to California, it’s essential to recognize the financial disparities that exist between these two states. The average household income in California is considerably higher than in Kansas, reflecting the state's affluence and higher cost of living. California's cost of living index stands at 151, far above Kansas's 89, largely due to higher housing costs. However, the state income tax in California can reach up to 13.3%, significantly higher than Kansas's maximum of 5.7%, affecting overall take-home pay. Moreover, while California benefits from leading industries like technology and entertainment, Kansas offers a stable economy with a strong agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace sector. Hence, anticipating these financial shifts is crucial for a smooth transition.

Kansas vs. California Political & Religious Comparison

Moving from Kansas to California offers a significant change in scenery, lifestyle, and community. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents, comparing Kansas & California to help you understand the cultural shift you're about to experience.

KansasCalifornia
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican Dominance in Rural AreasDemocratic Strongholds in Urban Centers
ReligionChristian MajorityDiverse Religious Landscape

Transitioning from Kansas to California, you'll notice a palpable shift in political and religious climates. Kansas, with its conservative leanings, often sees a Republican dominance, especially in its rural areas. Conversely, California's liberal stance is most evident in its urban centers, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, where Democratic ideals strongly prevail. Similarly, while Christianity is the predominant religion in Kansas, California offers a more diverse religious landscape, reflecting its broader diversity. This mix influences local policies, community programs, and the social environment you will encounter. Understanding these differences can help smooth your transition and integration into your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Kansas to California

Moving from Kansas to California offers a significant change in scenery and lifestyle. To help you navigate these changes, especially when it comes to education for you or your children, we've prepared a comparison. The purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Kansas and California.

KansasCalifornia

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Wichita State University
University of California (Berkeley)
Stanford University
California State University (Fullerton)

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Meadowlark Ridge Elementary (Salina)
Corinth Elementary (Leawood)
Sunflower Elementary (Lenexa)
Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
El Carmelo Elementary (Palo Alto)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Leawood Middle School (Leawood)
Overland Trail Middle School (Overland Park)
Pioneer Trail Middle School (Olathe)
Henry E. Huntington Middle School (San Marino)
Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School (Moraga)
Miller Middle School (San Jose)

Top 3 High Schools

Blue Valley North High School (Overland Park)
Shawnee Mission East High School (Prairie Village)
Olathe North High School (Olathe)
Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Torrey Pines High School (San Diego)
Palo Alto High School (Palo Alto)

Top 3 private high schools

The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
Wichita Collegiate School (Wichita)
Bishop Miege High School (Roeland Park)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Wichita Collegiate School (Wichita)
The Independent School (Wichita)
Cair Paravel Latin School (Topeka)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)

Top 3 School Districts

Blue Valley School District
Olathe School District
Shawnee Mission School District
San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
Arcadia Unified School District

While comparing the top educational institutions across Kansas and California, it's important to note the distinct opportunities each state provides. For instance, California boasts some of the most prestigious universities and innovative K-12 schools in the country, reflecting its role as a global technology and entertainment hub. Schools like Stanford University or The Harker School have developed reputations for academic excellence and unparalleled student opportunities. Conversely, Kansas offers strong academic programs within a more tight-knit community atmosphere, where schools like The University of Kansas anchor educational standards with a strong sense of local pride and tradition. This comparison underscores the diverse educational landscapes and opportunities available in both states, inviting prospective residents to consider what environment best suits their or their children’s learning and development needs.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Kansas to California Movers Featured Image