How we chose the best moving companies for your TN to KY move
After studying pricing from 71 Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Kentucky?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Tennessee to Kentucky.
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 |
$871 – $3,078 |
$573 – $1,448 |
$295 – $524 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,585 – $4,569 |
$1,101 – $1,930 |
$317 – $626 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,124 – $5,692 |
$1,454 – $2,392 |
$381 – $717 |
*Estimated costs for a 291-mile move from TN to
KY 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 Tennessee to Kentucky
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost between
$871 and
$3,078.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from TN to KY will
range from $1,585 to
$4,569, and a large move from Tennessee
to Kentucky will cost from $2,124
to $5,692.
Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to Kentucky
If you’re moving from Tennessee to Kentucky,
expect to pay between $573
and $1,448 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,101 up to
$1,930.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,454 and
$2,392. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to Kentucky
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
$295 and
$524.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $317
and $626. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $381 up to
$717 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from TN to KY
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Tennessee to Kentucky. 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 Tennessee 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 TN to KY
A relocation from Tennessee to Kentucky comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Comparing expenses in Tennessee and Kentucky 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:
|
Tennessee |
Kentucky |
| Average rent |
$1,047 |
$902 |
| Average home cost |
$319,208 |
$212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$64,035 |
$60,183 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
93 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.3% |
5.0% |
| Average sales tax |
9.55% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
0.0% |
4.0% |
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Expect to pay around 14% less in rent in Kentucky than in Tennessee, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 34% lower in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Kentucky are about 6% lower than in Tennessee.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Kentucky and Tennessee, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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Unemployment in Kentucky is about 52% higher than in Tennessee. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
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Sales tax in Kentucky is 37% lower than in Tennessee. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Kentucky can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Kentucky has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
How life is different in Kentucky vs. Tennessee
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 Kentucky stacks up against Tennessee across important lifestyle factors:
|
Kentucky |
Tennessee |
| Population |
4,526,154 |
7,126,489 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
88ºF |
| Winter low |
24ºF |
27ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
53″ |
| Annual snow |
11″ |
5″ |
| Crime index |
16.63 |
29.24 |
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With a population about 36% smaller than Tennessee, Kentucky offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
-
During the last presidential election, both Tennessee and Kentucky supported the Republican candidate.
-
In Kentucky, summer highs hover around 87°F, while Tennessee sits at 88°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Kentucky reaches about 24°F and Tennessee gets down to 27°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
-
In Kentucky, you’ll get about 48 inches of rain each year, while Tennessee sees around 53 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, Kentucky gets around 11 inches of snow, much more than the 5 inches that Tennessee 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.
-
Kentucky has a lower crime rate than Tennessee with a crime index of 16.63 vs. 29.24.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Kentucky versus Tennessee:
| Pros of living in Tennessee |
Pros of living in Kentucky |
| Abundant recreational opportunities |
Low cost of living |
| No income taxes |
Abundant outdoor adventures |
| Legendary music scene |
Delicious food and drink |
| Natural beauty and parks galore |
Horse racing |
| Delicious southern comfort food |
Four season weather |
Comparing the cons of living in Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Tennessee |
Cons of living in Kentucky |
| Tendency for severe weather |
Extreme weather |
| Oppressive summer heat and humidity |
Low diversity |
| Abundant presence of nuclear power plants |
Poor air quality |
| Traffic congestion |
Poor infrastructure |
| High urban crime rates |
Poor education system |
Other things to consider for your Tennessee to Kentucky 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:
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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify a Kentucky 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 Kentucky, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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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 Kentucky without a hitch. Get started here.
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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 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:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Kentucky
Get ready to discover all that Kentucky has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 Tennessee to Kentucky?
Do movers transport your car from Tennessee to Kentucky?
What are the benefits of moving from Tennessee to Kentucky?
The main reasons people are moving from Tennessee to Kentucky are the amazing upsides of living in Kentucky, such as low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures.
Is it cheaper to live in Tennessee or Kentucky?
Living in Tennessee usually costs less than in Kentucky.
Housing
is more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 14% less and home prices 34% lower than in Tennessee.
The tax rate is about the same between Tennessee and Kentucky.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Kentucky?
You should make approximately $59,905 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Kentucky.
The cost of living in Kentucky is about $2,600 per month for an individual and $4,876 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Louisville and Lexington tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Tennessee?
Some movers in Tennessee provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 5 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 3 movers.
Student savings are available through 2 moving providers.
Teacher and educator discounts can be found with 1 movers.
Law enforcement personnel receive special rate options from 2 companies.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Tennessee moving services
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When moving from Tennessee to Kentucky, expect to spend between
$1,585–$4,569 if using professional movers, about
$1,515 for a moving container, and around
$471
for a rental truck.
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