Moving to Kentucky: costs, checklist and what to know
Kentucky at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Louisville · capital Frankfort · Eastern in the east, Central in the west time.
Quick facts for moving to Kentucky
- Income tax: Kentucky taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Kentucky Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Kentucky's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Kentucky driver's license within 30 days, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (Driver Licensing regional offices).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Louisville (about 320 road miles) runs roughly $570–$1,120 with a rental truck or $1,910–$4,450 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Kentucky
- Many Kentucky cities and counties charge occupational license taxes on wages, in addition to the state's flat income tax.
- Eastern Kentucky, including Louisville and Lexington, is on Eastern time; the western part of the state is on Central time.
- Licenses are issued at Transportation Cabinet regional offices, while vehicles are registered at your county clerk's office.
Main cities and metros include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Covington. Kentucky borders Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and Missouri.
How much does it cost to move to Kentucky?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 780 | $1,200–$2,290 | $2,650–$6,110 |
| Los Angeles | 2,190 | $3,100–$5,850 | $4,900–$11,180 |
| Chicago | 320 | $570–$1,120 | $1,910–$4,450 |
| Dallas | 870 | $1,290–$2,460 | $2,790–$6,430 |
| Atlanta | 380 | $640–$1,240 | $2,010–$4,670 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Kentucky moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Kentucky
Spring and fall. Summers are humid, and winter ice storms can close roads.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Kentucky new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Kentucky: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Kentucky?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 320 miles from Chicago to Louisville costs roughly $570–$1,120 if you rent a truck or $1,910–$4,450 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Kentucky have a state income tax?
Yes. Kentucky taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Kentucky Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Kentucky?
Kentucky's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Kentucky driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (Driver Licensing regional offices). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Kentucky?
Spring and fall. Summers are humid, and winter ice storms can close roads.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Kentucky Department of Revenue and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (Driver Licensing regional offices), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.