Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Louisvilletoggle

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 Louisville can be as low as $1,003 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,768.
  • 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 $379 to $825. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Louisville

Chicago Louisville
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,250
Average home value $295,743 $242,612
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $69,771
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $1,862
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $4,532
Unemployment rate 9.0% 5.0%
Sales tax 10.25% 6.0%
State income tax 4.95% 4.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Louisville are 39% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Louisville are 18.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Louisville is 2.5% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Louisville is 45.5% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Louisville is 3.3% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Louisville is 44.44% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Louisville are 41.46% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Louisville are 19.19% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,364.06 in Louisville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Louisville

Louisville Chicago
Population 782,969 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 91 77
Bike friendliness score 79 72
Crime Index 56.68 35.19
Safety Index 43.32 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Louisville's population is about 71% less than Chicago.
  • Louisville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Louisville is more walkable than Chicago with a score of 91 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • With a score of 79 out of 100, Louisville 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.
  • Louisville's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 56.68 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Louisville is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 43.32 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Louisville is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Louisville move

  • Weather: Louisville has seasonal extremes in both temperature and precipitation are not uncommon during early spring and late fall; severe weather is not uncommon, with occasional tornado outbreaks in the region. Winter typically brings a mix of rain, sleet, and snow, with occasional heavy snowfall and icing. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
  • 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 Louisville. 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 Louisville

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Beautiful Churches", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Louisville.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Butchertown
  • Clifton
  • Crescent Hill
  • Downtown
  • The Highlands
  • St. Matthews

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bonnycastle
  • Clifton Heights
  • Crescent Hill
  • Hayfield Dundee
  • Highlands Douglass

Things to do in Louisvilletoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Louisville is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Kentucky Derby Museum, Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle), Muhammad Ali Center, and 21c Museum Hotel.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Louisville Waterfront Park, Iroquois Park, and Cherokee 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 Louisville Cardinals (NCAA), Louisville Bats (Triple-A East), or Louisville City FC (USL Championship) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Chicago to Louisville 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 Louisville?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Louisville 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 Louisville take?

The 298-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Louisville, 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 Louisville.

Helpful moving resources

Chicago moving services

Popular Illinois routes

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