$1,328 Movers From Kentucky to California

The cost to move from Kentucky to California averages from $1,512 to $8,061 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 Kentucky 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 California to Kentucky guide.

Moving from Kentucky to California resources

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

The best Kentucky to California movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Kentucky to California 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 Kentucky to California.

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 Kentucky to California?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,328 - $5,451 $1,304 - $3,302 $1,302 - $2,621
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,006 - $8,061 $2,272 - $4,705 $1,512 - $3,213
4+ bedrooms $7,167 - $13,087 $3,058 - $6,443 $1,946 - $3,671
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*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 Kentucky moving costs. The cost to move from Kentucky to California 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky to California?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Kentucky to California will cost between $1,328 to $5,451. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from KY to CA will range from $4,006 to $8,061, and a large move from Kentucky to California will cost from $7,167 to $13,087.

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

Moving containers from Kentucky to California will cost you $1,304 to $3,302 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,272 to $4,705. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,058 to $6,443. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Kentucky to California?

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 $1,302 to $2,621. A larger move will cost $1,512 to $3,213, and a 4+ bedroom move from Kentucky to California costs from $1,946 to $3,671.

Is moving from Kentucky to California a good idea?

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

Cost of Living: Kentucky vs California

Kentucky California
Average rent cost $783 $1,586
Average home cost $196,580 $746,055
Average income (per capita) $60,183 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 93 100
Unemployment rate 4.2% 4.8%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 8.68%
State Income Tax 4.5% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 103% more expensive in California than in Kentucky.
  • Home prices are about 279.5% higher in California than in Kentucky.
  • The average income is about 52.7% higher in California than in Kentucky.
  • Cost of living is 7.5% lower in California than in Kentucky.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Kentucky by about 14.3%.
  • Sales taxes are 44.67% higher in California than in Kentucky.
  • Income taxes are 195.56% higher in California than in Kentucky.

How is life different in California from Kentucky?

California Kentucky
Population 39,029,342 4,512,310
Political leaning Democratic 63-34 Republican 62-36
Summer High 87ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 59ºF 24ºF
Annual Rain 22" 48"
Annual Snow 7" 11"
Crime Index 27.88 20.19
  • The population of California is approximately 765% greater than the population of Kentucky.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Kentucky voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Kentucky, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Kentucky gets down to 24ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs 48 inches of rainfall in Kentucky.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs 11 inches of snow in Kentucky.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Kentucky with a crime index of 27.88 vs 20.19.

Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. California:

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

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

Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. California:

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

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

Considerations for moving to California

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: California 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 California. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Kentucky movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Cardinal Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
1811 Cargo Court, Louisville, KY, 40299
(502) 599-2661
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
789 Westland Drive, Lexington, KY, 40504
(859) 554-4616

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

Things to do in California

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

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs about moving from Kentucky to California

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

The cheapest way to move from Kentucky to California 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 Kentucky to California?

The main reasons people are moving from Kentucky to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about California