How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to KY move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 37 Iowa moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
-
Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
-
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
-
Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
-
Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
-
Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Kentucky?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Iowa to Kentucky.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,168 – $3,674 |
$689 – $1,682 |
$481 – $909 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,068 – $5,155 |
$1,278 – $2,520 |
$504 – $995 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,634 – $7,307 |
$1,659 – $3,235 |
$654 – $1,280 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 665-mile move from IA to
KY using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Kentucky
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Kentucky typically costs between
$1,168 and
$3,674.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,068
and $5,155
when moving from IA to KY.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Kentucky,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,634
up to $7,307.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Kentucky
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Kentucky,
you’ll typically spend between $689
and $1,682 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,278 up to
$2,520.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,659 and
$3,235. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Kentucky
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$481 and
$909.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$504 to
$995.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $654 and
$1,280.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to KY
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Iowa to Kentucky. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
-
Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Iowa, which usually means higher prices.
-
Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from IA to KY
Transitioning from Iowa to Kentucky gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Kentucky
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Iowa and Kentucky are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Iowa |
Kentucky |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$902 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$60,183 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
93 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
5.0% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
4.0% |
-
Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Kentucky from Iowa with rent being about the same in each state.
-
Home prices in Kentucky and Iowa are pretty similar, so you won’t need to adjust your mortgage budget unless you’re planning to move into a bigger or better place.
-
Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Kentucky are roughly 15% lower than in Iowa.
-
With a similar cost of living in both Iowa and Kentucky, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
-
Unemployment in Kentucky is about 67% higher than in Iowa. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
-
Sales tax in Kentucky is 14% lower than in Iowa, which can stretch your budget further on recurring expenses like food, shopping, and entertainment.
-
Income taxes are 9% lower in Kentucky compared to Iowa. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in Kentucky vs. Iowa
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Kentucky and Iowa compare.
|
Kentucky |
Iowa |
| Population |
4,526,154 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
24ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
11″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
16.63 |
16.18 |
-
If you’re moving from Iowa to Kentucky, you’ll find Kentucky has about 41% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
-
The last presidential election saw both Iowa and Kentucky siding with the Republican party.
-
The average summer high in Kentucky is 87°F, while Iowa averages 84°F.
With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
-
In winter, Kentucky drops only to 24°F, milder than 10°F in Iowa.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
Get ready for about 48 inches of rain each year in Kentucky.
That’s quite a change from the 35 inches you’re used to back in Iowa. More rain means greener scenery but also some soggy days, so pack your rain gear and make a few adjustments to settle in quickly and comfortably.
-
In Kentucky, it only snows about 11 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches.
Moving to Kentucky, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
-
Kentucky and Iowa share similar crime rates (16.18).
However, crime can vary greatly between different cities and neighborhoods within each state, so be sure to look into local crime data for a clearer picture.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Kentucky
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Kentucky to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Kentucky |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant outdoor adventures |
| High quality of education |
Delicious food and drink |
| No traffic |
Horse racing |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Four season weather |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Kentucky
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Iowa to Kentucky:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Kentucky |
| Severe weather conditions |
Extreme weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Low diversity |
| High taxes |
Poor air quality |
| High emphasis on politics |
Poor infrastructure |
| Rustic food |
Poor education system |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Kentucky move
-
HOA rules:
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
-
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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
-
State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Kentucky moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
-
Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Kentucky, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
-
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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Kentucky. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” 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:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Kentucky
Get excited to explore Kentucky. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home 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 Iowa to Kentucky?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Kentucky?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
Iowa to
Kentucky
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Kentucky?
Many people are making the move from Iowa to Kentucky to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Kentucky has to offer, like low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Kentucky?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Kentucky.
Housing
is much more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 1% less and home prices 4% lower than in Iowa.
Taxes are also
lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 9% less than those paid by Iowa residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Kentucky?
Planning to move to Kentucky? A single adult should aim for an income of around $59,905 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,600 for an individual, or $4,876 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Louisville and Lexington usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Iowa:
1 provide military discounts;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
See All
Hide All
When relocating from Iowa to Kentucky, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,068 to
$5,155, roughly
$1,899 for a container move, and close to
$749
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
