($1,133) Cost of Moving From Kentucky to North Carolina

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Kentucky to North Carolina ranges from $411 to $5,483 and takes one–four days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Professional
$1,133 – $2,504
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.85 / 5
read our full review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned
Container
$665 – $1,093
Pods
star star star star star 4.8 / 5
read our full review
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Freight
$627 – $925
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
read our full review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves
Rental Truck
$410 – $708
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
read our full review
Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

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

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The best Kentucky to North Carolina full-service movers

Moving from Kentucky to North Carolina? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Kentucky for your North Carolina relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best Kentucky to North Carolina moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Kentucky and drop it off at your new home in North Carolina.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

The best Kentucky to North Carolina moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Kentucky to North Carolina, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

Best Value Rental
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

The best Kentucky to North Carolina labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Kentucky to North Carolina:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

How we chose the best moving companies for your KY to NC move

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 23 Kentucky movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

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%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Kentucky to North Carolina?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,133 - $3,216 $665 - $1,611 $410 - $757
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,004 - $5,483 $1,141 - $2,334 $411 - $864
4+ bedrooms $3,710 - $7,627 $1,659 - $3,051 $545 - $987

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 467 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Kentucky to North Carolina

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Kentucky to North Carolina will cost between $1,133 and $3,216. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from KY to NC will range from $2,004 to $5,483, and a large move from Kentucky to North Carolina will cost from $3,710 to $7,627.

Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to North Carolina

Moving containers from Kentucky to North Carolina will cost you $665 to $1,611 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,141 to $2,334. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,659 to $3,051. 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 North Carolina

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $410 to $757. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $411 to $864, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Kentucky to North Carolina costs from $545 to $987.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to NC

There are many factors that influence Kentucky moving costs. The cost to move from Kentucky to North Carolina 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.

What to know before moving from KY to NC

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

Cost of living: Kentucky vs. North Carolina

Kentucky North Carolina
Average rent cost $902 $1,093
Average home cost $212,088 $328,715
Average income (per capita) $60,183 $66,186
Cost of Living Index 93 96
Unemployment rate 5.0% 3.7%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 6.98%
State Income Tax 4.0% 4.5%
  • Rent is about 21% more expensive in North Carolina than in Kentucky.
  • Home prices are about 55% higher in North Carolina than in Kentucky.
  • The average income is about 10% higher in North Carolina than in Kentucky.
  • Cost of living is 3% lower in North Carolina than in Kentucky.
  • North Carolina has a lower unemployment rate than Kentucky by about 26%.
  • Sales taxes are 16% higher in North Carolina than in Kentucky.
  • Income taxes are 13% higher in North Carolina than in Kentucky.

How life is different in North Carolina vs. Kentucky

North Carolina Kentucky
Population 10,835,491 4,526,154
Political leaning Republican 51-49 Republican 64.6-33.9
Summer high 88ºF 87ºF
Winter low 29ºF 24ºF
Annual rain 48" 48"
Annual snow 4" 11"
Crime index 24.69 16.63
  • The population of North Carolina is approximately 139% greater than the population of Kentucky.
  • In the last presidential election, North Carolina voted Republican and Kentucky voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in North Carolina is 88ºF and in Kentucky, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, North Carolina reaches the temperature of 29ºF and Kentucky gets down to 24ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in North Carolina versus 48 inches of rainfall in Kentucky.
  • In North Carolina, it snows about 4 inches annually versus 11 inches of snow in Kentucky.
  • North Carolina has a higher crime rate than Kentucky with a crime index of 24.69 vs. 16.63.

Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. North Carolina

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in North Carolina compared to Kentucky.

Pros of living in Kentucky Pros of living in North Carolina
Low cost of living Great communities
Abundant outdoor adventures Low cost of living
Delicious food and drink Ample economic opportunity
Horse racing High quality of life
Four season weather Bountiful recreational opportunities

Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. North Carolina

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Kentucky for North Carolina.

Cons of living in Kentucky Cons of living in North Carolina
Extreme weather Hurricanes
Low diversity Bland weather
Poor air quality High crime rate
Poor infrastructure High tax burden
Poor education system Poor education

Other things to consider for your Kentucky to North Carolina move

  • Weather: North Carolina has mild weather year round, however, snow may affect your move in some parts of the state during winter time.
  • 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to North Carolina. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company 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.

Things to do in North Carolina

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

  • Biltmore Estate
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  • USS North Carolina Battleship
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
  • North Carolina Zoo
  • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial
  • Chimney Rock State Park
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame
  • Discovery Place
  • Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
  • Linville Gorge and Falls
  • Carolina Beach State Park
  • North Carolina Aquariums
  • Outer Banks
  • William B. Umstead State Park
  • Pullen Park
  • Marbles Kids Museum
  • Dead Broke Farm

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Kentucky to North Carolina?

Hiring a full-service Kentucky moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to North Carolina?

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 Kentucky to North Carolina separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to North Carolina?

The main reasons people are moving from Kentucky to North Carolina are the amazing upsides of living in North Carolina such as great communities and low cost of living.

Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or North Carolina?

It is generally cheaper to live in Kentucky than in North Carolina. Housing is much more affordable in Kentucky, with average rent about 18% less and home prices 36% lower than in North Carolina. Taxes are also lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by North Carolina residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in North Carolina?

You should make approximately $33,693 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in North Carolina. The cost of living in North Carolina is approximately $3,662 per month for an individual and $5,306 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in North Carolina you live For example, larger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources