When moving from California to Kentucky, expect to spend between
$3,581–$7,567 if using professional movers, about
$3,353 for a moving container, and around
$2,109
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Kentucky?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,285 – $5,221 | $1,163 – $3,158 | $1,209 – $2,508 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,581 – $7,567 | $2,068 – $4,639 | $1,378 – $2,840 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,727 – $11,700 | $2,989 – $6,168 | $1,791 – $3,589 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,285 – $5,221
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,581 – $7,567
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,727 – $11,700
How much do moving containers cost from California to Kentucky?
- Small move: $1,163 – $3,158
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,068 – $4,639
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,989 – $6,168
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,209 – $2,508
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,378 – $2,840
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,791 – $3,589
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,306-mile move from CA to KY using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to KY?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $902 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $60,183 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 93 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 5.0% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Kentucky?
Rent is about 51% lower in Kentucky than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $902
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 72% lower in Kentucky than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $212,088
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 35% lower in Kentucky than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $60,183
Is the overall cost of living higher in Kentucky?
The cost of living is 31% lower in Kentucky than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 93
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 31% lower in Kentucky than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 70% lower in Kentucky than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 4.0%
How is daily life different in Kentucky compared to California?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Kentucky | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,526,154 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64.6-33.9 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 11″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 16.63 | 28.43 |
Will Kentucky feel more crowded than California?
Kentucky is about 88% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Kentucky is colder on average (24°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Kentucky?
Rain: Kentucky gets more rain (48″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (11 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Kentucky safer than California?
Kentucky has a lower crime index than California (16.63 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Kentucky?
Museums in Kentucky
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Kentucky Derby Museum
- Ark Encounter
- National Corvette Museum
- The National Quilt Museum
Parks in Kentucky
- Smothers Park
- Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- Red River Gorge Geological Area
- Freeman Lake Park
Sports teams in Kentucky
- Bellarmine Knights (NCAA)
- Eastern Kentucky Colonels (NCAA)
- Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA)
- Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
- Morehead State Eagles (NCAA)
Universities in Kentucky
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Georgetown College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Kentucky move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Kentucky moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Kentucky, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Kentucky without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Kentucky?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Kentucky?
Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Kentucky moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Kentucky?
You won’t need a moving permit in Kentucky, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
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