($951) Moving From Illinois to Kentucky

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Illinois to Kentucky ranges from $377 to $4,549 and takes one-four days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Illinois to Kentucky separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Kentucky to Illinois guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Illinois to Kentucky movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to Kentucky is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Illinois to Kentucky:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Illinois movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
STI Moving & Storage Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077
(847) 675-1223
Mid-West Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
(847) 593-7201

Visit our Best Movers in Illinois page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Kentucky?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to Kentucky for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $951 - $2,923 $626 - $1,456 $343 - $670
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,677 - $4,549 $1,134 - $2,195 $377 - $770
4+ bedrooms $2,933 - $6,637 $1,518 - $2,747 $463 - $971

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 408 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to KY

There are many factors that influence Illinois moving costs. The cost to move from Illinois to Kentucky will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Illinois is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Illinois to Kentucky?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Kentucky will cost between $951 and $2,923. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to KY will range from $1,677 to $4,549, and a large move from Illinois to Kentucky will cost from $2,933 to $6,637.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to Kentucky?

Moving containers from Illinois to Kentucky will cost you $626 to $1,456 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,134 to $2,195. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,518 to $2,747. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Illinois.

How much is a moving truck from Illinois to Kentucky?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $343 to $670. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $377 to $770, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Illinois to Kentucky costs from $463 to $971.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Illinois to Kentucky a good idea?

If you’re moving to Kentucky from Illinois, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Illinois vs. Kentucky

Illinois Kentucky
Average rent cost $1,179 $902
Average home cost $249,224 $212,088
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $60,183
Cost of Living Index 90 93
Unemployment rate 5.3% 5.0%
Average Sales Tax 8.82% 6.0%
State Income Tax 4.95% 4.0%
  • Rent is about 23% less expensive in Kentucky than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 15% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 23% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
  • Cost of living is 3% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
  • Kentucky has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 6%.
  • Sales taxes are 32% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.
  • Income taxes are 19% lower in Kentucky than in Illinois.

How does life in Kentucky differ from Illinois?

Kentucky Illinois
Population 4,526,154 12,549,689
Political leaning Republican 64.6-33.9 Democratic 55-45
Summer high 87ºF 86ºF
Winter low 24ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 48" 40"
Annual snow 11" 22"
Crime index 16.63 19.7
  • The population of Kentucky is approximately 64% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Kentucky is 87ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Kentucky reaches the temperature of 24ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-eight inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky versus forty inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Kentucky, it snows about eleven inches annually versus twenty-two inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Kentucky has a lower crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 19.7 vs 16.63.

Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Kentucky

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Illinois versus Kentucky side by side.

Pros of living in Illinois Pros of living in Kentucky
Home of Chicago Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Abundant outdoor adventures
Bountiful recreational opportunities Delicious food and drink
Delicious food Horse racing
World-class sports culture Four season weather

Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Kentucky

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Illinois for Kentucky.

Cons of living in Illinois Cons of living in Kentucky
Harsh winter weather Extreme weather
Bad traffic Low diversity
High crime rate Poor air quality
Dull landscape Poor infrastructure
Strict laws Poor education system

What to know before your move to Kentucky

  • Weather: Kentucky has relatively hot, humid, rainy summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters. Kansas rarely experiences the extremes cold of the northern states nor the heat of the state in the Deep South.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Kentucky does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Kentucky. Get started here.
  • 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Kentucky

While you’re in Kentucky, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Mammoth Cave National Park
  • Churchill Downs
  • Kentucky Horse Park
  • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
  • Daniel Boone National Forest
  • Creation Museum
  • Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
  • Louisville Zoo
  • Newport Aquarium
  • Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
  • Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
  • Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
  • Muhammad Ali Center
  • Lost River Cave
  • Louisville Mega Cavern
  • Great American Dollhouse Museum
  • Big Four Bridge
  • National Corvette Museum
  • Ark Encounter
  • Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park
  • National Quilt Museum
  • Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland
  • Waverly Hills Sanatorium
  • Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Kentucky?

The cheapest way to move from Illinois to Kentucky is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Kentucky?

The main reasons people are moving from Illinois 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 Illinois or Kentucky?

It is generally cheaper to live in Illinois than in Kentucky. Housing is more affordable in Kentucky, with average rent about 24% less and home prices 14.9% lower than in Illinois. Taxes are also lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Illinois residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Kentucky?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Kentucky you live For example, larger cities like Alexandria and Ashland will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources