Best Movers From Michigan to Kentucky (2025 Cost Data)
Let’s get moving.
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$1,159 — $5,103 Top local mover
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$1,159 — $7,746 Top long-distance mover
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$644 — $2,907 Top container company
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$424 — $1,139 Top truck rental
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$61 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
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Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Michigan to Kentucky
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Michigan to Kentucky.
Estimated cost to move from Michigan to Kentucky
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Kentucky?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,159 – $3,333 | $644 – $1,681 | $424 – $772 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,014 – $5,103 | $1,187 – $2,278 | $457 – $925 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,772 – $7,746 | $1,646 – $2,907 | $541 – $1,139 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,159 – $3,333
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,014 – $5,103
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,772 – $7,746
How much do moving containers cost from Michigan to Kentucky?
- Small move: $644 – $1,681
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,187 – $2,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,646 – $2,907
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $424 – $772
- 2–3 bedrooms: $457 – $925
- 4+ bedrooms: $541 – $1,139
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 553-mile move from MI to KY using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
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 MI to KY?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Michigan | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,037 | $902 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $60,183 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 93 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Kentucky?
Rent is about 13% lower in Kentucky than in Michigan.
Avg rent: $1,037 vs. $902
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 14% lower in Kentucky than in Michigan.
Avg home value: $245,716 vs. $212,088
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 12% lower in Kentucky than in Michigan.
Avg income (per capita): $68,505 vs. $60,183
Is the overall cost of living higher in Kentucky?
The cost of living is about the same in Michigan and Kentucky.
Cost of living index: 92 vs. 93
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Michigan and Kentucky.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 6% lower in Kentucky than in Michigan.
State income tax: 4.25% vs. 4.0%
How is daily life different in Kentucky compared to Michigan?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Kentucky | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,526,154 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64.6-33.9 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 11″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 16.63 | 19.98 |
Will Kentucky feel more crowded than Michigan?
Kentucky is about 55% less populous than Michigan — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Michigan and Kentucky voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Kentucky is hotter on average (87°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Kentucky is milder on average (24°F vs. 14°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Kentucky?
Rain: Kentucky gets more rain (48″ vs. 34″).
Snow: Kentucky gets less snow (11 inches vs. 64 inches).
Is Kentucky safer than Michigan?
Kentucky has a lower crime index than Michigan (16.63 vs. 19.98), 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 Michigan to Kentucky move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- 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. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Kentucky, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. 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: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Kentucky?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
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 don’t need a moving permit in Kentucky.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance 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 Michigan offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 6 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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