Best California to Kansas Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to KS Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another is undeniably a thrilling chapter in your life, filled with new possibilities and adventures. As you prepare to leave the sun-soaked beaches of the Golden State for the sunflower-studded fields of the Sunflower State, the contrast couldn’t be more exciting. It’s essential to have trusted and reliable professional movers to make your journey from California to Kansas seamless, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and efficiently. That's where we come in, offering expertise to guide you through this significant transition.

California iconArrow iconKansas icon

Best California to Kansas Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.63NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best California Movers9.52A+Authorized For HHGContact
American Movers9.03A+Authorized For HHGContact
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving8.53FAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Kansas to California guide.

6 Best CA to KS Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

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

About Pure Moving

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

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

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
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
American Movers Logo
Superb9.03/10
based on 2,901+ data points

About American Movers

American Movers has been in business since 2003 and has earned an A+ rating over the decades. The company is proud to serve the city of Wich...Read More >>

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 12/17/2024)

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
5
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Logo
Fabulous8.53/10
based on 1,623+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

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
6
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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 California to Kansas

Considering a move from California to Kansas requires weighing both sides of the coin. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection on the good and the bad attributes of this relocation . The following charts delve into the pros and cons, providing insight into what changes you might expect in lifestyle, amenities, and environment moving from California to Kansas.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Dense population
  • Earthquake risk
Kansas iconKansas
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • More open space
  • Safe from quakes
Kansas iconKansas
  • Smaller cities
  • Less variety
  • No coastline
  • Fewer tech jobs
California iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant cities
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Beaches
  • Tech industry hub

While the move from California to Kansas introduces a significantly lower cost of living and less congestion, it’s not without its trade-offs. You'll exchange the bustling, vibrant cities filled with diverse cuisine and cultural hotspots like Los Angeles and San Francisco for quieter, smaller cities like Topeka and Wichita. However, these Kansas cities have their charms, offering a sense of community and open spaces without the constant rush. Local establishments such as Wichita's Old Town offer unique dining and shopping experiences. While you might miss California's beaches, Kansas is home to beautiful outdoor areas like Clinton State Park, offering its own scenic beauty and outdoor activities.

California vs. Kansas Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between California & Kansas, highlighting the critical role food plays in reflecting the local culture and living experience. As you prepare to move, understanding the food scene ensures a smoother transition to your new home.

CaliforniaKansas
Most iconic local food itemSourdough BreadBBQ Ribs
Most popular meat dishTri-tip SteakSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemFish TacosBurnt Ends
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • SLAP's BBQ
  • Q39
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

California's cuisine is defined by its diversity and health-conscious options. The infamous fish tacos can be found in beachside stalls in San Diego, while sourdough bread, a San Francisco staple, embodies the state's rich history. The avocados, essential for that perfect avocado toast, are grown locally, making them a fresh, vegan-friendly option. Kansas, on the other hand, is synonymous with BBQ, with cities like Kansas City housing legendary spots like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que where you can savor authentic smoked brisket and burnt ends. This state offers a heartier cuisine, with a burgeoning scene for food diversification, evident in the popularity of BBQ jackfruit as a vegan option. Both states provide unique dining experiences reflective of their local cultures and preferences.

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California vs. Kansas Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal component when relocating. Understanding how the housing market, amenities, and lifestyle between California and Kansas compare is essential for making an informed decision. This comparison aims to simplify your transition by highlighting key aspects of each state's real estate landscape.

ComparisonCaliforniaKansas
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishPrairie, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor living spaces, Eco-friendly featuresLarge yards, Family-friendly neighborhoods

Moving from California to Kansas, you'll find significant differences in the housing market. One of the most striking contrasts is the median home price— with California’s sky-high prices making Kansas's housing market appear remarkably affordable. Kansas homes often emphasize large yards and proximity to family-friendly amenities, reflecting the state's value for space and community. In contrast, California's listings frequently highlight outdoor living spaces and eco-friendly features, catering to a lifestyle that’s both environmentally conscious and inclined towards making the most of the pleasant climate. Additionally, California typically offers a more urban lifestyle with higher walkability and bikeability scores, suitable for those who prioritize accessibility and eco-friendly transportation options.

California vs. Kansas Weather Considerations

When planning a move from California to Kansas, understanding the differences in weather you will experience is crucial. This comparison will outline what to anticipate weather-wise, helping you adapt more comfortably to your new home.

Summer icon
85°F / 58°F

California

89°F / 68°F

Kansas

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 48°F

California

42°F / 20°F

Kansas

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

30

Kansas

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0-200+ (mountain areas)

California

12-30

Kansas

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaKansas
Air QualityVariable, urban areas poorerGenerally good, varies with weather
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, Hailstorms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both California and Kansas enjoy abundant sunshine, you'll find Kansas experiences more dramatic seasonal changes, with significantly colder winters and somewhat hotter summers. The humidity in Kansas can make both the cold and heat feel more intense. It's also important to prepare for different natural disaster risks, such as tornadoes in Kansas compared to California's earthquakes. Lastly, those with allergies might notice a shift in triggers, likely due to the prevalent types of vegetation and molds in each state.

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

When planning a move from one region to another, it's crucial to compare financial factors that could impact your budget and lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living, tax implications, and economic opportunities between California and Kansas is key to a smooth transition. This comparison aims to equip you with essential financial insights for your upcoming move.

ComparisonCaliforniaKansas
Avg. Household Income$91,551$68,925
Cost of Living Index136.491.8
State Income Tax1 - 13.3%3.1 - 5.7%
Avg. Property Tax0.73%1.37%
Avg. Sales Tax8.82%8.68%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, TourismAgriculture, Manufacturing, Aerospace
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow

The difference in the average household income and the cost of living index between California and Kansas is significant, with California being more affluent but also much more expensive. The wide gap in state income tax rates can affect your take-home pay, particularly if you're moving from California's high-tax environment to Kansas's lower-tax regime. Although California maintains a lower average property tax rate, the overall cost disparities in housing, utilities, and everyday expenses are substantial. Additionally, industry focus varies greatly—with California leading in technology and entertainment, while Kansas thrives on agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace—potentially influencing job market opportunities related to your career path.

California vs. Kansas Political & Religious Comparison

In a move from California to Kansas, understanding the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between California & Kansas can provide insight into the social climate awaiting you. This quick snapshot will offer a glimpse into the political leanings, local political engagement, and religious landscapes of both states.

CaliforniaKansas
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsHighly active, progressive policiesActive, with a mix of moderate and conservative policies
ReligionMulticultural and diverseMore homogeneous, Christian predominance

When it comes to the political climate, you'll find California leans more liberal with a strong emphasis on progressive policies, while Kansas tends to be more conservative, embodying both moderate and right-leaning values. This shift might influence your experience with local governance, community initiatives, and overall social atmosphere. The religious landscape also presents a notable change, moving from California's diverse religious communities to Kansas's more predominant Christian culture. Adapting to these differences will be an essential part of your relocation process, understanding that each state offers unique opportunities and communities to be part of.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Kansas

Moving from California to Kansas represents a significant change in lifestyle, and if you're a parent, understanding how educational opportunities compare between the two states is crucial. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled data to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in California and Kansas. This overview will guide you through the differences in school systems and highlight top educational institutions in both states.

CaliforniaKansas

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of California
Stanford University
California State University
University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Wichita State University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Orion Alternative (Redwood City)
Millikin Basics+ Elementary (Santa Clara)
Pacific Elementary (Manhattan Beach)
Briarwood Elementary (Prairie Village)
Corinth Elementary (Prairie Village)
Sunset Hill Elementary (Lawrence)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Mill Valley Middle (Mill Valley)
Redwood Middle (Saratoga)
Leawood Middle (Leawood)
Indian Hills Middle (Prairie Village)
Auburn-Washburn Middle (Topeka)

Top 3 High School Schools

California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
Whitney High (Cerritos)
Blue Valley North High (Overland Park)
Shawnee Mission East High (Prairie Village)
Lawrence Free State High (Lawrence)

Top 3 private high schools

Harvard-Westlake (Los Angeles)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Stanford Online High School (Virtual)
Maur Hill - Mount Academy (Atchison)
Wichita Collegiate School (Wichita)
St. Thomas Aquinas High (Overland Park)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
The College Preparatory School (Oakland)
The Independent School (Wichita)
Wichita Collegiate School (Wichita)
Kansas City Christian School (Prairie Village)

Top 3 School Districts

Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
Palo Alto Unified School District
San Ramon Valley Unified School District
Blue Valley Unified School District
De Soto Unified School District
Shawnee Mission Public Schools

While the educational landscape in California offers access to highly renowned institutions and a vast array of innovative programs, Kansas prides itself on a more community-focused approach, with highly rated public and private schools offering quality education. For instance, schools like Harvard-Westlake in Los Angeles and The Independent School in Wichita reflect the states' commitment to providing top-tier educational opportunities. Additionally, the presence of prestigious universities such as Stanford and the University of Kansas demonstrates the breadth of higher education options available. When deciding where to move, consider not just the ratings but also the type of educational environment and support systems each state provides to match your child’s needs and aspirations.

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