Factors that influence moving costs from Memphis to Lexington
What to know before moving from Memphis to Lexington
Moving from Memphis to Lexington comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Lexington is generally more expensive than Memphis, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Memphis | Lexington | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,345 |
Average home value | $143,715 | $309,021 |
Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $61,526 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $3,100 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $4,170 |
Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 9.75% | 6.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 4.0% |
- Rent prices in Lexington are 4% higher than in Memphis, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
Home prices in Lexington are 115.0% higher than in Memphis. - Income in Lexington is 27.9% higher than in Memphis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Lexington include A&W Restaurants, University of Kentucky, and Federal Prison Industries.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lexington, since the cost of living for a single person in Lexington is 68.3% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Lexington is 5.3% lower than in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Lexington is 46.25% lower than in Memphis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Lexington, since the cityโs sales taxes in Lexington are 38.46% lower than in Memphis.
- State income taxes in Lexington are 4.00% higher than in Memphis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,048.86 in Lexington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Lexington
Lexington | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 320,347 | 633,104 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 4 |
Walkability score | 90 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 85 | 41 |
Crime Index | 50.88 | 77.49 |
Safety Index | 49.12 | 22.51 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Lexington's population is about 49% less than Memphis.
- Lexington's public transportation has a similar score to Memphis.
- Lexington is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 90 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 85 out of 100, Lexington is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Lexington's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 50.88 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Lexington is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 49.12 vs Memphis's 22.51.
- Air quality in Lexington is good, and in Memphis it's good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis vs. Lexington move
- Weather: Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Kentucky, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Kentucky doesnโt mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Lexington without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Lexington
With your sights set on "Horse Capital of the World", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Lexington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
- Downtown Lexington
- Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Georgetown
- Mount Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair
Best neighborhoods for families
- Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
- Fairway-Liberty Heights
- Georgetown
- Paris
- Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates
Things to do in Lexington
Once youโre settled into your new home in Kentucky, itโs time to get out and discover what Lexington has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Lexington features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Mary Todd Lincoln House, Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate, The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, and Explorium of Lexington.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs The Arboretum, Thoroughbred Park, Jacobson Park, and Masterson Station Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Lexington Legends (ALPB) and Lexington SC (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Memphis to Lexington?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Memphis to Lexington. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Memphis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Lexington?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Memphis to Lexington, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Memphis to Lexington take?
The 422-mile journey from Memphis, TN to Lexington, KY typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Memphis offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lexington.