When planning a move from Illinois to Kentucky, professional movers typically run between
$1,619 and $4,669, a moving container averages about
$1,619, and a rental truck is around
$559.
Fact Checked by:
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Kentucky?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,015 – $2,996 | $605 – $1,480 | $345 – $680 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,619 – $4,669 | $1,118 – $2,120 | $360 – $759 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,976 – $6,281 | $1,526 – $2,681 | $452 – $948 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,015 – $2,996
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,619 – $4,669
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,976 – $6,281
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Kentucky?
- Small move: $605 – $1,480
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,118 – $2,120
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,526 – $2,681
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $345 – $680
- 2–3 bedrooms: $360 – $759
- 4+ bedrooms: $452 – $948
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 408-mile move from IL to KY using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 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 IL to KY?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $902 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $60,183 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 93 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.0% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Kentucky?
Rent is about 23% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $902
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 15% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $212,088
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 23% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $60,183
Is the overall cost of living higher in Kentucky?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Kentucky.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 93
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 32% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 19% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 4.0%
How is daily life different in Kentucky compared to Illinois?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Kentucky | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,526,154 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64.6-33.9 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 11″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 16.63 | 19.7 |
Will Kentucky feel more crowded than Illinois?
Kentucky is about 64% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Kentucky is milder on average (24°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Kentucky?
Rain: Kentucky gets more rain (48″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Kentucky gets less snow (11 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Kentucky safer than Illinois?
Kentucky has a lower crime index than Illinois (16.63 vs. 19.7), 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 Illinois to Kentucky move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Kentucky moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Kentucky does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Kentucky right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Kentucky?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
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?
Kentucky does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. 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 Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
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