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Moving from Kansas to California

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Plains, aviation industry, university towns. vs. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

KS state flag
Living now

Kansas

Capital: Topeka

Median household income $69,747 · winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days

Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

CA state flag
Moving to

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Kansas
90.1
California
110.7
California has 23% higher overall price level
Housing index
Kansas
71.2
California
154.3
California has 117% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Kansas
94.0
California
106.1
California has 13% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Kansas
98.5
California
101.6
California has 3.1% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Kansas
15.8 ¢/kWh
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
California has 123% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kansas
98.0
California
102.1
California has 4.2% higher transportation
Median home value
Kansas
$238,700
California
$759,500
California is 218% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kansas
$1,079/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 95% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Kansas
89°F
California
84°F
California is 5.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Kansas
21°F
California
45°F
California is 114% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kansas
55°F
California
59°F
California is 8.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kansas
217
California
258
California has 19% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kansas
32 in
California
26 in
California is 19% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kansas
80
California
43
California has 46% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Kansas
12
California
298
California has 2383% higher felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Kansas
16 in
California
16 in

Get the full KansasCalifornia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than Kansas?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.1 for Kansas, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Kansas tops out at 5.58% income tax. California tops out at 13.3%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in California?

Most California residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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