Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Kentucky

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Raleigh, NC, to Kentucky

If youโ€™re moving to Kentucky from Raleigh, NC, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Raleigh vs. Kentucky

Raleigh, NC Kentucky
Average rent cost $1,670 $902
Average home cost $431,795 $212,088
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $60,183
Unemployment rate 4.3% 5.0%
State income tax 4.5% 4.0%
  • Rent is about 70% less expensive in Kentucky than in Raleigh.
  • Home prices are about 66.8% lower in Kentucky than in Raleigh.
  • The average income is about 87.0% higher in Kentucky than in Raleigh.
  • Kentucky has a higher unemployment rate than Raleigh by about 18.9%.
  • Income taxes are 11.11% lower in Kentucky than in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh, NC, from Kentucky

Raleigh, NC Kentucky
Population 467,665 4,526,154
Political leaning Republican 51-48 Republican 64.6-33.9
Summer high 90ยบF 87ยบF
Winter low 30ยบF 24ยบF
Annual rain 46" 48"
Annual snow 4" 11"
Crime index 38.87 16.63
  • The population of Kentucky is approximately 868% greater than the population of Raleigh.
  • In the last presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican and Raleigh voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Kentucky is 87ยบ F and in Raleigh, itโ€™s 90ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Kentucky reaches the temperature of 24ยบ F and Raleigh gets down to 30ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky vs. 46 inches of rainfall in Raleigh.
  • In Kentucky, it snows about 11 inches annually vs. 4 inches of snow in Raleigh.

Comparing the pros of Raleigh, NC, vs. Kentucky:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Raleigh vs Kentucky side-by-side.

Pros of living in Raleigh, NC Pros of living in Kentucky
Exceptional beauty Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Abundant outdoor adventures
Quality education Delicious food and drink
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Horse racing
Quality healthcare Four season weather

Comparing the cons of living in Raleigh, NC, vs. Kentucky:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Raleigh for Kentucky.

Cons of living in Raleigh, NC Cons of living in Kentucky
High cost of living Extreme weather
Quiet nightlife Low diversity
Temperamental weather Poor air quality
Allergy-inducing pollen Poor infrastructure
Urban sprawl Poor education system

Other considerations when moving to Kentucky from Raleigh

  • Weather: Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kansas rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) โ€“ Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Kentucky 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Kentucky. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Kentucky

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Kentucky.

Museums in Kentuckytoggle

  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
  • Kentucky Derby Museum
  • Ark Encounter
  • National Corvette Museum
  • The National Quilt Museum
  • Kentucky Horse Park
  • Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)
  • Muhammad Ali Center
  • Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum
  • Dinosaur World
  • Mary Todd Lincoln House
  • Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea
  • Creation Museum
  • William Arnold Log House
  • Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate

Parks in Kentuckytoggle

  • Smothers Park
  • Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park
  • Red River Gorge Geological Area
  • Freeman Lake Park
  • Boone County Veterans Memorial Park
  • The Parklands of Floyds Fork
  • Louisville Waterfront Park
  • Devou Park
  • Iroquois Park
  • Bob Noble Park
  • Frank Webb Memorial Park
  • Central Park
  • Cherokee Park
  • Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Sports Teams in Kentuckytoggle

  • Bellarmine Knights (NCAA)
  • Eastern Kentucky Colonels (NCAA)
  • Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA)
  • Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
  • Morehead State Eagles (NCAA)
  • Murray State Racers (NCAA)
  • Northern Kentucky Norse (NCAA)
  • Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (NCAA)

Universities in Kentuckytoggle

  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
  • Western Kentucky University
  • Eastern Kentucky University
  • Georgetown College
  • Northern Kentucky University
  • Berea College
  • Murray State University
  • Bellarmine University
  • Morehead State University
  • Kentucky State University
  • Centre College
  • Transylvania University
  • Asbury University
  • Campbellsville University

FAQs

How long does a move from Raleigh to Kentucky take?

The time it takes to move from Raleigh, NC, to Kentucky depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Raleigh to Kentucky?

Need to get your car from Raleigh to Kentucky? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Raleigh to Kentucky car shippers.

Why are people moving from Raleigh to Kentucky?

Many people are moving to Kentucky because of its low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures. On the other hand, people are moving away from Raleigh because of the high cost of living and quiet nightlife.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Raleigh?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Raleigh.

Helpful moving resources