How we chose the best moving companies for your KY to OH 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 Ohio?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Kentucky to Ohio.
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 |
$861 – $2,748 |
$563 – $1,353 |
$269 – $472 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,428 – $4,140 |
$1,032 – $1,890 |
$291 – $587 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,990 – $5,778 |
$1,413 – $2,407 |
$338 – $671 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 248-mile move from KY to
OH 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 Ohio
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Kentucky to Ohio,
you can expect prices to land between $861
and $2,748.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,428 to
$4,140 for the trip from KY
to OH. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$1,990 and
$5,778.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to Ohio
Moving containers from Kentucky to Ohio
will cost you $563 to
$1,353 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,032
to $1,890. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,413 to
$2,407.
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 Ohio
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
$269
and $472
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $291
to $587.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$338
to $671.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to OH
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Kentucky to Ohio. 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 OH
Making the move from Kentucky to Ohio means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. Ohio
A clear look at the cost differences between Kentucky and Ohio 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 |
Ohio |
| Average rent |
$902 |
$945 |
| Average home cost |
$212,088 |
$230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$60,183 |
$66,990 |
| Cost of living index |
93 |
94 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.0% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
7.23% |
| State income tax |
4.0% |
3.5% |
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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from Kentucky to Ohio.
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Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Ohio are usually around 9% higher than what you’ll find in Kentucky.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 11% higher in Ohio than in Kentucky, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Since living costs in Ohio 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 28% lower than Kentucky, Ohio offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales taxes are 21% higher in Ohio than in Kentucky, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
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Income taxes in Ohio are 13% lower than in Kentucky. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Ohio 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 Ohio and Kentucky compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Ohio |
Kentucky |
| Population |
11,785,935 |
4,526,154 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 55-45 |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
20ºF |
24ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
28″ |
11″ |
| Crime index |
20.76 |
16.63 |
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Ohio has a population that’s about 160% 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 Ohio both voted Republican in the last election.
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Summer highs average 84°F in Ohio, 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 Ohio 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 only about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Ohio versus 48 inches of rainfall in Kentucky.
Less annual rainfall means more sunshine and outdoor experiences, and fewer weather hassles. It can be a rewarding and energizing climate for many movers.
-
Each year, Ohio gets about 28 inches of snow, while Kentucky sees only 11 inches.
More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
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Ohio has a higher crime rate than Kentucky, with crime indexes at 20.76 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. Ohio
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Ohio compared to Kentucky:
| Pros of living in Kentucky |
Pros of living in Ohio |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant outdoor adventures |
Low cost of living |
| Delicious food and drink |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Horse racing |
Famously delicious beer |
| Four season weather |
Amazing food |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. Ohio
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 Ohio:
| Cons of living in Kentucky |
Cons of living in Ohio |
| Extreme weather |
Low happiness |
| Low diversity |
Limited diversity |
| Poor air quality |
Political division |
| Poor infrastructure |
Harsh weather |
| Poor education system |
Weird laws |
Other things to consider for your Kentucky to Ohio 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:
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
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State regulator:
You can quickly check a Ohio 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 Ohio, 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 Ohio 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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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 Ohio
You’ll have plenty to explore in Ohio! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities in Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kentucky to Ohio?
Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to Ohio?
What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to Ohio?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Kentucky for Ohio, drawn by advantages like ample economic opportunity and low cost of living that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Ohio?
Living in Kentucky usually costs less than in Ohio.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 5% less and home prices 8% lower than in Ohio.
However, taxes are
lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Kentucky residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Ohio?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Ohio, you should aim to make around $65,241.
On average, expect to spend about $2,580 per month, or $6,799 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Columbus and Cleveland 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 Ohio, budget between $1,428–$4,140 for full-service movers, around
$1,461 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$439
for a rental truck.
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