$1,357 Movers From California to Kentucky

The cost to move from California to Kentucky averages from $1,424 to $7,439 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Kentucky to California guide.

Moving from California to Kentucky resources

Moving 2,305 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Kentucky movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Kentucky is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Kentucky.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from California to Kentucky?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to Kentucky for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,357 - $5,619 $1,343 - $3,140 $1,383 - $2,725
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,669 - $7,439 $2,411 - $4,561 $1,424 - $3,275
4+ bedrooms $6,892 - $12,713 $3,121 - $6,703 $1,816 - $3,901
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,305 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Kentucky will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Kentucky?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Kentucky will cost between $1,357 to $5,619. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to KY will range from $3,669 to $7,439, and a large move from California to Kentucky will cost from $6,892 to $12,713.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Kentucky?

Moving containers from California to Kentucky will cost you $1,343 to $3,140 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,411 to $4,561. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,121 to $6,703. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

How much is a moving truck from California to Kentucky?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,383 to $2,725. A larger move will cost $1,424 to $3,275, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Kentucky costs from $1,816 to $3,901.

Is moving from California to Kentucky a good idea?

If you’re moving to Kentucky from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: California vs Kentucky

California Kentucky
Average rent cost $1,586 $783
Average home cost $746,055 $196,580
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $60,183
Cost of Living Index 100 93
Unemployment rate 4.8% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 6.0%
State Income Tax 13.3% 4.5%
  • Rent is about 51% less expensive in Kentucky than in California.
  • Home prices are about 73.7% lower in Kentucky than in California.
  • The average income is about 34.5% lower in Kentucky than in California.
  • Cost of living is 7.0% lower in Kentucky than in California.
  • Kentucky has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 12.5%.
  • Sales taxes are 30.88% lower in Kentucky than in California.
  • Income taxes are 66.17% lower in Kentucky than in California.

How is life different in Kentucky from California?

Kentucky California
Population 4,512,310 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 62-36 Democratic 63-34
Summer High 87ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 24ºF 59ºF
Annual Rain 48" 22"
Annual Snow 11" 7"
Crime Index 20.19 27.88
  • The population of Kentucky is approximately 88% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Kentucky is 87ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Kentucky reaches the temperature of 24ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Kentucky, it snows about 11 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Kentucky has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 20.19.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Kentucky:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Kentucky side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Kentucky
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Pleasant weather Abundant outdoor adventures
Abundant recreational options Delicious food and drink
High quality of life Horse racing
Fresh and healthy foods Four season weather

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Kentucky:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Kentucky.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Kentucky
High cost of living Extreme weather
Heavy tax burdens Low diversity
Natural disasters Poor air quality
Terrible traffic Poor infrastructure
Strange laws Poor education system

Considerations for moving to Kentucky

  • Weather: Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kansas rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Kentucky. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Meathead Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
2905 Unicorn Rd, Bakersfield, CA, 93308
(661) 335-6191
All Star Movers & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA, 94568
(925) 905-9889

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in Kentucky

While you’re in Kentucky, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • Mammoth Cave National Park
  • Churchill Downs
  • Kentucky Horse Park
  • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
  • Daniel Boone National Forest
  • Creation Museum
  • Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
  • Louisville Zoo
  • Newport Aquarium
  • Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
  • Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
  • Muhammad Ali Center
  • Lost River Cave
  • Louisville Mega Cavern
  • Great American Dollhouse Museum
  • Big Four Bridge
  • National Corvette Museum
  • Ark Encounter
  • Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park
  • National Quilt Museum
  • Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland
  • Waverly Hills Sanatorium
  • Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

FAQs about moving from California to Kentucky

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Kentucky?

The cheapest way to move from California to Kentucky is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Kentucky?

The main reasons people are moving from California to Kentucky are the amazing upsides of living in Kentucky such as low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Kentucky