Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Lexingtontoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Lexington can be as low as $1,186 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,793.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $405 to $968. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Lexington

Chicago Lexington
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,345
Average home value $295,743 $309,021
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $61,526
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $3,100
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $4,170
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.3%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.0%
State income tax 4.95% 4.0%
  • Rent prices in Lexington are 34% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Lexington are 4.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Lexington is 14.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lexington is 142.2% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lexington is 11.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Lexington is 52.22% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Lexington are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Lexington are 19.19% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,265.63 in Lexington to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Lexington

Lexington Chicago
Population 320,347 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 9
Walkability score 90 77
Bike friendliness score 85 72
Crime Index 50.88 35.19
Safety Index 49.12 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lexington's population is about 88% less than Chicago.
  • Lexington's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Lexington is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 90 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • With a score of 85 out of 100, Lexington is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Lexington's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 50.88 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Lexington is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.12 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Lexington is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Lexington move

  • Weather: Lexington has hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters with occasional mild periods
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Lexington. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Lexington

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Horse Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lexington.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
  • Downtown Lexington
  • Fairway-Liberty Heights
  • Georgetown
  • Mount Vernon-Hollywood-Montclair

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Chevy Chase-Ashland Park
  • Fairway-Liberty Heights
  • Georgetown
  • Paris
  • Southland-Deerfield-Open Gates

Things to do in Lexingtontoggle

After settling into your new Kentucky home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lexington has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Lexington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 cityโ€™s The Arboretum, Thoroughbred Park, Jacobson Park, and Masterson Station Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Lexington Legends (ALPB) and Lexington SC (USL League One) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Lexington?

The best time to move from Chicago to Lexington is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Lexington?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Lexington in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Lexington take?

The 372-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Lexington, KY, takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lexington.

Helpful moving resources