How we chose the best moving companies for your KY to NY move
After studying pricing from 29 Kentucky movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Kentucky to New York?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Kentucky to New York.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,195 – $3,690 |
$704 – $1,791 |
$495 – $901 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,265 – $5,551 |
$1,332 – $2,383 |
$555 – $1,136 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,821 – $7,845 |
$1,801 – $3,356 |
$662 – $1,350 |
*Estimated costs for a 700-mile move from KY to
NY are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Kentucky to New York
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Kentucky to New York will cost between
$1,195 and
$3,690.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from KY to NY will
range from $2,265 to
$5,551, and a large move from Kentucky
to New York will cost from $3,821
to $7,845.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to New York
If you’re moving from Kentucky to New York,
expect to pay between $704
and $1,791 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,332 up to
$2,383.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,801 and
$3,356. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kentucky to New York
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$495 and
$901.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $555
and $1,136. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $662 up to
$1,350 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to NY
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Kentucky to New York. Here’s what might influence your total price:
-
Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Kentucky is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from KY to NY
A relocation from Kentucky to New York comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. New York
Comparing expenses in Kentucky and New York shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Kentucky |
New York |
| Average rent |
$902 |
$1,507 |
| Average home cost |
$212,088 |
$482,742 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$60,183 |
$81,386 |
| Cost of living index |
93 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.0% |
4.4% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
8.52% |
| State income tax |
4.0% |
10.9% |
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Rent in New York is approximately 67% higher than in Kentucky, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 128% higher in New York than in Kentucky.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 35% higher in New York compared to Kentucky. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Moving to New York means you’ll be paying 8% more than you did in Kentucky. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
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With an unemployment rate about 12% lower than Kentucky, New York boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 42% higher in New York than in Kentucky, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 173% higher in New York than in Kentucky. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in New York vs. Kentucky
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in New York stacks up against Kentucky across important lifestyle factors:
|
New York |
Kentucky |
| Population |
19,571,216 |
4,526,154 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 60-40 |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
16ºF |
24ºF |
| Annual rain |
44″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
62″ |
11″ |
| Crime index |
21.51 |
16.63 |
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New York is about 332% more populous than Kentucky.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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In the most recent presidential election, New York leaned Democratic, while Kentucky went with Republican.
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New York averages 81°F in summer, a cooler contrast to 87°F in Kentucky.
Expect milder summers, lower utility costs, and more time to enjoy being outdoors.
-
During the coldest part of the year, New York drops to about 16°F while Kentucky only reaches 24°F.
Moving to New York with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
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In New York, you’ll get about 44 inches of rain each year, while Kentucky sees around 48 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
Every year, New York gets around 62 inches of snow, much more than the 11 inches that Kentucky typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
-
New York has a higher crime rate than Kentucky with a crime index of 21.51 vs. 16.63.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Kentucky vs. New York
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in New York versus Kentucky:
| Pros of living in Kentucky |
Pros of living in New York |
| Low cost of living |
Natural beauty |
| Abundant outdoor adventures |
Arts |
| Delicious food and drink |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Horse racing |
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities |
| Four season weather |
Distinct seasons |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. New York
Moving from Kentucky to New York comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Kentucky |
Cons of living in New York |
| Extreme weather |
High tax burden |
| Low diversity |
Rough winter weather |
| Poor air quality |
High cost of living |
| Poor infrastructure |
Poor quality healthcare |
| Poor education system |
Populous |
Other things to consider for your Kentucky to New York move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
-
State licensing:
New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a New York moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in New York, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to New York without a hitch. 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. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in New York
Get ready to discover all that New York has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in New York
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- New York State Museum
- Erie Canal Museum
Parks in New York
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Central Park
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Gantry Plaza State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
Sports teams in New York
- Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities in New York
- Cornell University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kentucky to New York?
Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to New York?
What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to New York?
The main reasons people are moving from Kentucky to New York are the amazing upsides of living in New York, such as natural beauty and arts.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or New York?
Living in Kentucky usually costs less than in New York.
Housing
is much more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 40% less and home prices 56% lower than in New York.
Taxes are also
lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by New York residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in New York?
You should make approximately $78,058 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in New York.
The cost of living in New York is about $5,550 per month for an individual and $12,661 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like New York City and Brooklyn tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Kentucky?
Some movers in Kentucky provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Kentucky to New York, expect to spend between
$2,265–$5,551 if using professional movers, about
$1,857 for a moving container, and around
$845
for a rental truck.
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