How we chose the best moving companies for your VA to KY move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 101 Virginia 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 Virginia to Kentucky?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Virginia 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 |
$928 – $2,767 |
$586 – $1,421 |
$342 – $654 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,670 – $4,663 |
$1,118 – $2,227 |
$364 – $775 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,859 – $6,345 |
$1,556 – $2,681 |
$475 – $893 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 417-mile move from VA 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 Virginia to Kentucky
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Virginia to Kentucky,
you can expect prices to land between $928
and $2,767.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,670 to
$4,663 for the trip from VA
to KY. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$2,859 and
$6,345.
Cost of moving containers from Virginia to Kentucky
Moving containers from Virginia to Kentucky
will cost you $586 to
$1,421 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,118
to $2,227. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,556 to
$2,681.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Virginia 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
$342
and $654
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $364
to $775.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$475
to $893.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from VA to KY
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Virginia to Kentucky. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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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 Virginia 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 VA to KY
Making the move from Virginia to Kentucky means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Virginia vs. Kentucky
A clear look at the cost differences between Virginia 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:
|
Virginia |
Kentucky |
| Average rent |
$1,440 |
$902 |
| Average home cost |
$392,682 |
$212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$87,249 |
$60,183 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
93 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
5.0% |
| Average sales tax |
5.73% |
6.0% |
| State income tax |
5.75% |
4.0% |
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You’ll pay about 37% less in rent in Kentucky compared to Virginia, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Kentucky are around 46% lower than in Virginia. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 31% lower Kentucky than in Virginia.
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Living in Kentucky costs about 7% less than in Virginia. This lower cost of living can mean great savings, but you’ll still want to plan your move carefully.
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Unemployment in Kentucky is roughly 72% higher than in Virginia. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
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No need to worry about sales tax since rates are similar in Virginia and Kentucky.
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Income taxes in Kentucky are 30% lower than in Virginia. 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 Kentucky vs. Virginia
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 Virginia compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Kentucky |
Virginia |
| Population |
4,526,154 |
8,715,698 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
Democratic 52-48 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
24ºF |
25ºF |
| Annual rain |
48″ |
44″ |
| Annual snow |
11″ |
14″ |
| Crime index |
16.63 |
19.3 |
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The population of Kentucky is about 48% smaller than that of Virginia.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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In the latest presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican, while Virginia chose Democratic.
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Summer highs average 87°F in Kentucky, compared to 87°F in Virginia.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in Kentucky hover around 24°F, while Virginia averages 25°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
-
You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky and 44 inches in Virginia.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
In Kentucky, you can expect about 11 inches of snow each year, while Virginia sees around 14 inches annually.
Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
-
Moving to Kentucky means choosing a safer place to call home.
With a lower crime index of 16.63 versus Virginia’s 19.3, you’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and more peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Virginia 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 Virginia:
| Pros of living in Virginia |
Pros of living in Kentucky |
| Strong economy |
Low cost of living |
| Beautiful scenery |
Abundant outdoor adventures |
| Abundance of outdoor activities |
Delicious food and drink |
| Enjoyable four season weather |
Horse racing |
| Strong military presence |
Four season weather |
Comparing the cons of living in Virginia 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 Virginia to Kentucky:
| Cons of living in Virginia |
Cons of living in Kentucky |
| High cost of living |
Extreme weather |
| Unpredictable weather |
Low diversity |
| Bad traffic congestion |
Poor air quality |
| Lack of public transportation |
Poor infrastructure |
| Air noise pollution |
Poor education system |
Other things to consider for your Virginia 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.
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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 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 Virginia to Kentucky?
Do movers transport your car from Virginia to Kentucky?
What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Kentucky?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Virginia 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 Virginia or Kentucky?
Living in Kentucky usually costs less than in Virginia.
Housing
is more affordable in Kentucky,
with average rent about 37% less and home prices 46% lower than in Virginia.
Taxes are also
lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Virginia 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 Virginia?
Many movers in Virginia publish special-rate programs:
3 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
1 provide student pricing;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Virginia to Kentucky, budget between $1,670–$4,663 for full-service movers, around
$1,672 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$569
for a rental truck.
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