How we chose the best moving companies for your KY to MO move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 29 Kentucky moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Kentucky to Missouri?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Kentucky to Missouri.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,079 – $3,034 |
$665 – $1,505 |
$361 – $693 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,871 – $4,820 |
$1,099 – $2,224 |
$384 – $807 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,266 – $7,713 |
$1,475 – $2,795 |
$499 – $1,029 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 466-mile move from KY to
MO using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Kentucky to Missouri
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Kentucky to Missouri,
you can expect prices to land between $1,079
and $3,034.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,871 to
$4,820 for the trip from KY
to MO. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,266 and
$7,713.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to Missouri
Moving containers from Kentucky to Missouri
will cost you $665 to
$1,505 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,099
to $2,224. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,475 to
$2,795.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kentucky to Missouri
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$361
and $693
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $384
to $807.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$499
to $1,029.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to MO
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Kentucky to Missouri. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Kentucky generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from KY to MO
Making the move from Kentucky to Missouri means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. Missouri
A clear look at the cost differences between Kentucky and Missouri helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Kentucky |
Missouri |
| Average rent |
$902 |
$957 |
| Average home cost |
$212,088 |
$248,327 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$60,183 |
$65,920 |
| Cost of living index |
93 |
88 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.0% |
3.8% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
4.03% |
| State income tax |
4.0% |
4.8% |
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Rent in Missouri is about 6% higher than in Kentucky. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Missouri are usually around 17% higher than what you’ll find in Kentucky.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 10% higher in Missouri than in Kentucky, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Since living costs in Missouri and Kentucky are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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With an unemployment rate around 24% lower than Kentucky, Missouri offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales tax in Missouri is 33% lower than in Kentucky. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Missouri could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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State income taxes in Missouri are 20% higher than in Kentucky, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Missouri vs. Kentucky
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Missouri and Kentucky compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Missouri |
Kentucky |
| Population |
6,196,156 |
4,526,154 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 59-41 |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
20ºF |
24ºF |
| Annual rain |
43″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
13″ |
11″ |
| Crime index |
28.28 |
16.63 |
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Missouri has a population that’s about 37% larger than Kentucky.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
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Kentucky and Missouri both voted Republican in the last election.
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Summer highs average 88°F in Missouri, compared to 87°F in Kentucky.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in Missouri hover around 20°F, while Kentucky averages 24°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
-
You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Missouri and 48 inches in Kentucky.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
In Missouri, you can expect about 13 inches of snow each year, while Kentucky sees around 11 inches annually.
Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
-
Missouri has a higher crime rate than Kentucky, with crime indexes at 28.28 and 16.63, respectively.
While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. Missouri
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Missouri compared to Kentucky:
| Pros of living in Kentucky |
Pros of living in Missouri |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant outdoor adventures |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Delicious food and drink |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Horse racing |
Delicious barbecue |
| Four season weather |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. Missouri
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Kentucky to Missouri:
| Cons of living in Kentucky |
Cons of living in Missouri |
| Extreme weather |
Severe weather |
| Low diversity |
High crime rate |
| Poor air quality |
Low quality of life |
| Poor infrastructure |
Low wages |
| Poor education system |
Poor healthcare |
Other things to consider for your Kentucky to Missouri move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
-
State licensing:
Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Missouri moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Missouri, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Missouri right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Missouri
You’ll have plenty to explore in Missouri! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Missouri
- National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Titanic Museum
- City Museum
- Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Parks in Missouri
- Elephant Rocks State Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park
- Bennett Spring State Park
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Sports teams in Missouri
- Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
- Kansas City Royals (MLB)
- Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
- St. Louis Blues (NHL)
- St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)
Universities in Missouri
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of Missouri
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Saint Louis University
- University of Missouri-St. Louis
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kentucky to Missouri?
Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to Missouri?
What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to Missouri?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Kentucky for Missouri, drawn by advantages like low cost of living and ample economic opportunity that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Missouri?
Living in Kentucky usually costs less than in Missouri.
Housing
is more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 6% less and home prices 15% lower than in Missouri.
Taxes are also
lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Missouri residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Missouri?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Missouri, you should aim to make around $58,875.
On average, expect to spend about $2,617 per month, or $6,252 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Kansas City and St. Louis generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Kentucky?
Many movers in Kentucky publish special-rate programs:
1 offer military-specific savings;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Kentucky to Missouri, budget between $1,871–$4,820 for full-service movers, around
$1,661 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$595
for a rental truck.
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