How we chose the best moving companies for your ND to KY move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 11 North Dakota 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 North Dakota to Kentucky?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from North Dakota to Kentucky.
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 |
$1,320 – $5,461 |
$927 – $2,077 |
$720 – $1,461 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,267 – $7,395 |
$1,549 – $3,178 |
$852 – $1,738 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$5,326 – $9,583 |
$2,164 – $4,386 |
$1,072 – $2,183 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 1,271-mile move from ND to
KY 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 North Dakota to Kentucky
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from North Dakota to Kentucky,
you can expect prices to land between $1,320
and $5,461.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$3,267 to
$7,395 for the trip from ND
to KY. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$5,326 and
$9,583.
Cost of moving containers from North Dakota to Kentucky
Moving containers from North Dakota to Kentucky
will cost you $927 to
$2,077 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,549
to $3,178. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $2,164 to
$4,386.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of North Dakota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from North Dakota to Kentucky
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
$720
and $1,461
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $852
to $1,738.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$1,072
to $2,183.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to KY
Several factors influence the cost of moving from North Dakota to Kentucky. 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 North Dakota 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 ND to KY
Making the move from North Dakota to Kentucky means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Kentucky
A clear look at the cost differences between North Dakota and Kentucky helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
North Dakota |
Kentucky |
| Average rent |
$912 |
$902 |
| Average home cost |
$263,410 |
$212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,959 |
$60,183 |
| Cost of living index |
96 |
93 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.4% |
5.0% |
| Average sales tax |
6.96% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
2.9% |
4.0% |
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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from North Dakota to Kentucky.
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Home prices in Kentucky are around 19% lower than in North Dakota. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
-
Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 19% lower Kentucky than in North Dakota.
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Since living costs in Kentucky and North Dakota 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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Unemployment in Kentucky is roughly 108% higher than in North Dakota. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
-
Sales tax in Kentucky is 14% lower than in North Dakota. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Kentucky could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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State income taxes in Kentucky are 38% higher than in North Dakota, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Kentucky vs. North Dakota
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 Kentucky and North Dakota compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Kentucky |
North Dakota |
| Population |
4,526,154 |
783,926 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
Republican 68-32 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
82ºF |
| Winter low |
24ºF |
0ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
19″ |
| Annual snow |
11″ |
39″ |
| Crime index |
16.63 |
22.74 |
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Kentucky has a population that’s about 477% larger than North Dakota.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
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North Dakota and Kentucky both voted Republican in the last election.
-
Summer highs average 87°F in Kentucky, compared to 82°F in North Dakota.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Kentucky has winter lows around 24°F, compared to 0°F in North Dakota.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky versus only 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
-
In Kentucky, you’ll get about 11 inches of snow each year, far less than North Dakota.
That means moving to Kentucky will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Moving to Kentucky means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 16.63 versus North Dakota’s 22.74, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of North Dakota vs. Kentucky
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Kentucky compared to North Dakota:
| Pros of living in North Dakota |
Pros of living in Kentucky |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Peaceful rural life |
Abundant outdoor adventures |
| Affordable living costs |
Delicious food and drink |
| High-quality education opportunities |
Horse racing |
| Open rural spaces |
Four season weather |
Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Kentucky
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from North Dakota to Kentucky:
| Cons of living in North Dakota |
Cons of living in Kentucky |
| Long and cold winters |
Extreme weather |
| Lack of diversity |
Low diversity |
| Housing shortages |
Poor air quality |
| Small populations |
Poor infrastructure |
| Relaxed lifestyle |
Poor education system |
Other things to consider for your North Dakota to Kentucky 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 in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – 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 proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Kentucky 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky 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. 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 ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Kentucky
You’ll have plenty to explore in Kentucky! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Kentucky
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Kentucky Derby Museum
- Ark Encounter
- National Corvette Museum
- The National Quilt Museum
Parks in Kentucky
- Smothers Park
- Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- Red River Gorge Geological Area
- Freeman Lake Park
Sports teams in Kentucky
- Bellarmine Knights (NCAA)
- Eastern Kentucky Colonels (NCAA)
- Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA)
- Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
- Morehead State Eagles (NCAA)
Universities in Kentucky
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Georgetown College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from North Dakota to Kentucky?
Do movers transport your car from North Dakota to Kentucky?
What are the benefits of moving from North Dakota to Kentucky?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave North Dakota for Kentucky, drawn by advantages like low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Kentucky?
Living in Kentucky usually costs less than in North Dakota.
Housing
is much more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 1% less and home prices 19% lower than in North Dakota.
However, taxes are
lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Kentucky residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Kentucky?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Kentucky, you should aim to make around $59,905.
On average, expect to spend about $2,600 per month, or $4,876 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Louisville and Lexington generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in North Dakota?
Many movers in North Dakota publish special-rate programs:
1 offer military-specific savings;
1 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
North Dakota moving services
Popular North Dakota routes
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For a move from North Dakota to Kentucky, budget between $3,267–$7,395 for full-service movers, around
$2,363 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,295
for a rental truck.
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