Moving from Louisville to Lexington, KY
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Quick answer: Moving from Louisville to Lexington costs between $86 to $4,400 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 78-mile route within Kentucky take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Louisville to Lexington
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Louisville to Lexington are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Louisville to driving and unloading in Lexington, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 78 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,189 - $3,583 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $812 - $1,556 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $97 - $159 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $110/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Louisville to Lexington?
It costs between $86 to $4,400 to move from Louisville to Lexington. The prices below break down your 78-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $661 - $4,400
- Moving containers: $566 - $1,988
- Rental trucks: $86 - $166
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $661 - $2,931 | $566 - $1,084 | $86 - $129 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,189 - $3,583 | $812 - $1,556 | $97 - $159 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,698 - $4,400 | $1,110 - $1,988 | $111 - $166 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $270 - $2,250+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $110/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $180 - $720 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $180 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Louisville to Lexington
At 78 miles, your Louisville to Lexington move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Louisville to Lexington. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Kentucky, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 78 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Louisville to Lexington. They've been in business since 2005 (21 years of experience) and 79.6% of their 269 verified reviews are positive.
More Kentucky moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Lexington to Louisville guide.
Considerations when moving from Louisville to Lexington
Cost of living: Louisville vs. Lexington
Comparing life in Louisville and Lexington goes beyond just looking at housing prices. We’ll break down key financial factors, like rent, home values, average income, day-to-day expenses, and local job trends, so you can get a clear picture of how living in Lexington stacks up against Louisville.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Louisville | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,345 |
| Average home cost | $220,456 | $272,002 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,731 | $67,631 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,862 | $3,100 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,532 | $4,170 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% | 4.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.0% |
- Rent prices in Lexington are 8% higher than in Louisville. You can expect to pay more for housing, which could leave you with less money for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Lexington are 23% higher than in Louisville. That means you might face a steeper down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- Income levels in Louisville and Lexington are pretty similar, so you can count on consistent earning potential and simpler financial planning.
- Cost of living for one person is 66% higher in Lexington compared to Louisville. Make sure to adjust your budget to account for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating to Lexington, you’ll be glad to know the cost of living is 8% lower than in Louisville. That means you can stretch your budget further and possibly enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- The unemployment rate in Lexington is 14% lower than in Louisville, which suggests a stronger job market with more employment opportunities and greater economic stability.
- Sales taxes match in Lexington and Louisville, so your day-to-day spending on taxable goods shouldn’t be affected by the move.
If you’re used to living on $3,000 a month in Louisville, you’d need roughly $4,980 to maintain the same lifestyle in Lexington.
How life is different in Louisville vs. Lexington
Before you move, see how life stacks up in Lexington compared to Louisville. You should compare everything from weather and cost of living to politics, safety, and population. This side-by-side breakdown will help you figure out which city matches your lifestyle and priorities.
| Louisville | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 782,969 | 320,347 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 24ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 9" | 10" |
| Crime index | 56.68 | 50.88 |
Lexington sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Lexington has about 59% fewer people than Louisville. Living in a smaller city often comes with perks like more tranquility, extra space, and lower costs. Just keep in mind you might miss some big-city amenities.
- Louisville and Lexington both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Moving between Louisville and Lexington won’t bring major summer surprises. With highs near 86°F in both cities, your summer lifestyle should stay consistent.
- During the chilliest months, both Louisville and Lexington experience similar lows—expect 26°F in Louisville and 24°F in Lexington.
- Both Louisville and Lexington experience similar annual rainfall, with Louisville receiving 46 inches and Lexington getting 46 inches.
- Annual snowfall is nearly identical in Louisville and Lexington, with Louisville getting about 9 inches and Lexington seeing 10 inches.
- You’ll feel safer in Lexington, thanks to its lower crime index (50.88) compared to Louisville (56.68).
Things to do in Lexington
Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in Lexington.
Museums in Lexington
- Kentucky Horse Park
- Mary Todd Lincoln House
- Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
- The Aviation Museum of Kentucky
- Explorium of Lexington
Parks in Lexington
- The Arboretum
- Thoroughbred Park
- Jacobson Park
- Masterson Station Park
- Shillito Park
Sports teams in Lexington
- Lexington Legends (ALPB)
- Lexington SC (USL League One)
Universities in Lexington
- University of Kentucky
- Transylvania University
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Louisville to Lexington?
Shipping furniture from Louisville to Lexington with a mover will cost between $588 and $2,730. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,189–$3,583, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Louisville to Lexington will cost from $1,698–$4,400.
How much are moving container companies from Louisville to Lexington?
If you're moving from Louisville to Lexington and considering moving containers, here’s what you can expect to pay: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices generally range from $455 to $1,037. If you’ve got two or three bedrooms, costs typically fall between $812 and $1,556. Got an even bigger space? For four- or five-bedroom homes, expect to pay anywhere from $1,110 up to $1,988.
How much is a moving truck from Louisville to Lexington?
If you want to keep costs down, renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just remember, you’ll be responsible for driving and all the heavy lifting. We’ve included estimated fuel costs in our pricing, so there are no surprises.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, you’ll usually spend between $80 and $134. Planning to move a larger apartment? You’re looking at costs from $97 to $159. For a four-bedroom home or bigger moving from Louisville to Lexington, truck rental prices typically range from $111 up to $166.
How far in advance should I book Louisville-to-Lexington movers?
For a smooth move from Louisville to Lexington, book your movers at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, try to secure your moving reservation three months ahead. Early booking not only increases your chances of getting your preferred date but can also help you snag lower rates. Some companies even throw in early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lexington?
To score the best moving deals to Lexington, plan your move between early October and late April. Avoiding the busy May-to-September season means you’ll spend less and have an easier time picking your ideal moving date.
