Factors that influence moving costs from Philadelphia to Louisvilletoggle

The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Louisville might cost as little as $1,359, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,891.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Philadelphia, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $558 to $1,493. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Louisville

Moving from Philadelphia to Louisville means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Philadelphia than in Louisville, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Philadelphia compares to Louisville so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Philadelphia Louisville
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,250
Average home value $216,914 $242,612
Average income (per capita) $70,746 $69,771
Cost of living (single person) $2,541 $1,862
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,190 $4,532
Unemployment rate 10.6% 5.0%
Sales tax 8.0% 6.0%
State income tax 3.07% 4.0%
  • Rent prices in Louisville are 26% lower than in Philadelphia, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
    Home prices in Louisville are 11.8% higher than in Philadelphia.
  • Income in Louisville is 1.4% lower than in Philadelphia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Louisville include Texas Roadhouse, Humana, and Kindred Healthcare.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Louisville is 26.7% lower than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Louisville is 26.8% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • The unemployment rate in Louisville is 52.83% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Louisville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Louisville are 25.00% lower than in Philadelphia.
  • State income taxes in Louisville are 30.29% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,198.35 in Louisville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Louisville

Louisville Philadelphia
Population 782,969 1,603,797
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 91 75
Bike friendliness score 79 67
Crime Index 56.68 66.09
Safety Index 43.32 33.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Louisville's population is about 51% less than Philadelphia.
  • Louisville's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
  • Louisville is more walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 91 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 out of 100.
  • With a score of 79 out of 100, Louisville is more bike-friendly than Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Louisville's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 56.68 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
  • Louisville is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 43.32 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
  • Air quality in Louisville is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Kentucky moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Kentucky, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toLouisville Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Louisville

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "City of Beautiful Churches" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Louisville to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Louisville

Now that you've made the move to Kentucky, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Louisville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Louisville, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Louisville Cardinals (NCAA), Louisville Bats (Triple-A East), or Louisville City FC (USL Championship) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Philadelphia to Louisville. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Philadelphia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Louisville?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Philadelphia to Louisville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Philadelphia to Louisville take?

The 672-mile journey from Philadelphia, PA to Louisville, KY typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Philadelphia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Louisville.

Helpful moving resources