How we chose the best moving companies for your AR to KY move
After studying pricing from 24 Arkansas movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Arkansas to Kentucky?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Arkansas to Kentucky.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,124 – $3,188 |
$656 – $1,612 |
$411 – $788 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,975 – $5,493 |
$1,197 – $2,179 |
$457 – $879 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,829 – $7,519 |
$1,500 – $2,925 |
$564 – $1,082 |
*Estimated costs for a 544-mile move from AR to
KY are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Arkansas to Kentucky
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Arkansas to Kentucky will cost between
$1,124 and
$3,188.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AR to KY will
range from $1,975 to
$5,493, and a large move from Arkansas
to Kentucky will cost from $3,829
to $7,519.
Cost of moving containers from Arkansas to Kentucky
If you’re moving from Arkansas to Kentucky,
expect to pay between $656
and $1,612 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,197 up to
$2,179.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,500 and
$2,925. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Arkansas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arkansas to Kentucky
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$411 and
$788.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $457
and $879. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $564 up to
$1,082 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AR to KY
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Arkansas to Kentucky. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Arkansas is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from AR to KY
A relocation from Arkansas to Kentucky comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Arkansas vs. Kentucky
Comparing expenses in Arkansas and Kentucky shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Arkansas |
Kentucky |
| Average rent |
$868 |
$902 |
| Average home cost |
$208,078 |
$212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$56,335 |
$60,183 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
93 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.3% |
5.0% |
| Average sales tax |
9.51% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
2.0% |
4.0% |
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You don’t have to stress about your housing budget. Rental rates will be about the same if you’re moving from Arkansas to Kentucky.
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Home prices are about the same in Kentucky and Arkansas, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 7% higher in Kentucky compared to Arkansas. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Kentucky and Arkansas, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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Unemployment in Kentucky is about 117% higher than in Arkansas. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales tax in Kentucky is 37% lower than in Arkansas. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Kentucky can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 100% higher in Kentucky than in Arkansas. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Kentucky vs. Arkansas
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Kentucky stacks up against Arkansas across important lifestyle factors:
|
Kentucky |
Arkansas |
| Population |
4,526,154 |
3,067,732 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
24ºF |
28ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
50″ |
| Annual snow |
11″ |
4″ |
| Crime index |
16.63 |
30.97 |
-
Kentucky is about 48% more populous than Arkansas.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both Arkansas and Kentucky supported the Republican candidate.
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In Kentucky, summer highs hover around 87°F, while Arkansas sits at 91°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Kentucky reaches about 24°F and Arkansas gets down to 28°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
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In Kentucky, you’ll get about 48 inches of rain each year, while Arkansas sees around 50 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
Every year, Kentucky gets around 11 inches of snow, much more than the 4 inches that Arkansas typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
-
Kentucky has a lower crime rate than Arkansas with a crime index of 16.63 vs. 30.97.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Arkansas vs. Kentucky
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Kentucky versus Arkansas:
| Pros of living in Arkansas |
Pros of living in Kentucky |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Low cost of living |
| Low cost of living |
Abundant outdoor adventures |
| Diverse lifestyle opportunities |
Delicious food and drink |
| Fantastic weather |
Horse racing |
| Natural beauty |
Four season weather |
Comparing the cons of living in Arkansas vs. Kentucky
Moving from Arkansas to Kentucky comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Arkansas |
Cons of living in Kentucky |
| High crime rate |
Extreme weather |
| Dangerous wildlife |
Low diversity |
| Poor education |
Poor air quality |
| Pervasive poverty |
Poor infrastructure |
| Strange laws |
Poor education system |
Other things to consider for your Arkansas 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.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Kentucky moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Kentucky
Get ready to discover all that Kentucky has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Arkansas to Kentucky?
Do movers transport your car from Arkansas to Kentucky?
What are the benefits of moving from Arkansas to Kentucky?
The main reasons people are moving from Arkansas to Kentucky are the amazing upsides of living in Kentucky, such as low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures.
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Kentucky?
Living in Arkansas usually costs less than in Kentucky.
Housing
is more affordable in Arkansas,
with average rent about 4% less and home prices 2% lower than in Kentucky.
Taxes are also
lower in Arkansas, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Kentucky residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Kentucky?
You should make approximately $59,905 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Kentucky.
The cost of living in Kentucky is about $2,600 per month for an individual and $4,876 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Louisville and Lexington tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Arkansas?
Some movers in Arkansas provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 1 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Arkansas to Kentucky, expect to spend between
$1,975–$5,493 if using professional movers, about
$1,688 for a moving container, and around
$668
for a rental truck.
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