($924) Cost of Moving From Tennessee to Kentucky

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Tennessee to Kentucky ranges from $333 to $4,795 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.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

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

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The best Tennessee to Kentucky full-service movers

Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Tennessee for your Kentucky relocation:

Best Overall Value
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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
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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
Most Experienced Mover
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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
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(866) 835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best Tennessee to Kentucky moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Tennessee and drop it off at your new home in Kentucky.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Tennessee to Kentucky moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Tennessee to Kentucky, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Tennessee to Kentucky labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Tennessee to Kentucky:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your TN to KY movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 40 Tennessee movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

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

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $924 - $3,013 $613 - $1,375 $319 - $572
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,581 - $4,795 $1,156 - $2,088 $333 - $657
4+ bedrooms $2,392 - $6,288 $1,395 - $2,695 $416 - $768

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 292 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.

Cost to hire movers from Tennessee to Kentuckytoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost between $924 and $3,013. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from TN to KY will range from $1,581 to $4,795, and a large move from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost from $2,392 to $6,288.

Cost of moving containers from Tennessee to Kentuckytoggle

Moving containers from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost you $613 to $1,375 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,156 to $2,088. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,395 to $2,695. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Tennessee to Kentuckytoggle

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 $319 to $572. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $333 to $657, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Tennessee to Kentucky costs from $416 to $768.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from TN to KY

There are many factors that influence Tennessee moving costs. The cost to move from Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.

What to know before moving from TN to KY

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

Cost of living: Tennessee vs. Kentucky

Tennessee Kentucky
Average rent cost $1,047 $902
Average home cost $319,208 $212,088
Average income (per capita) $64,035 $60,183
Cost of Living Index 0 93
Unemployment rate 3.3% 5.0%
Average Sales Tax 9.55% 6.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 4.0%
  • Rent is about 14% less expensive in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
  • Home prices are about 34% lower in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
  • The average income is about 6% lower in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
  • Cost of living is inf% lower in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
  • Kentucky has a higher unemployment rate than Tennessee by about 52%.
  • Sales taxes are 37% lower in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
  • Income taxes are 4% higher in Kentucky than in Tennessee.

How life is different in Kentucky vs. Tennessee

Kentucky Tennessee
Population 4,526,154 7,126,489
Political leaning Republican 64.6-33.9 Republican 64-36
Summer high 87ºF 88ºF
Winter low 24ºF 27ºF
Annual rain 48" 53"
Annual snow 11" 5"
Crime index 16.63 29.24
  • The population of Kentucky is approximately 36% lower than the population of Tennessee.
  • In the last presidential election, Kentucky voted Republican and Tennessee voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Kentucky is 87ºF and in Tennessee, it’s 88ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Kentucky reaches the temperature of 24ºF and Tennessee gets down to 27ºF.
  • You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky versus 53 inches of rainfall in Tennessee.
  • In Kentucky, it snows about 11 inches annually versus 5 inches of snow in Tennessee.
  • Kentucky has a lower crime rate than Tennessee with a crime index of 16.63 vs. 29.24.

Comparing the pros of Tennessee vs. Kentucky

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Kentucky compared to Tennessee.

Pros of living in Tennessee Pros of living in Kentucky
Abundant recreational opportunities Low cost of living
No income taxes Abundant outdoor adventures
Legendary music scene Delicious food and drink
Natural beauty and parks galore Horse racing
Delicious southern comfort food Four season weather

Comparing the cons of living in Tennessee vs. Kentucky

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Tennessee for Kentucky.

Cons of living in Tennessee Cons of living in Kentucky
Tendency for severe weather Extreme weather
Oppressive summer heat and humidity Low diversity
Abundant presence of nuclear power plants Poor air quality
Traffic congestion Poor infrastructure
High urban crime rates Poor education system

Other things to consider for your Tennessee to Kentucky movetoggle

  • 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 Kentuckytoggle

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 Tennessee to Kentucky?toggle

Hiring a full-service Tennessee moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Tennessee to Kentucky?toggle

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 Tennessee to Kentucky separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Tennessee to Kentucky?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Tennessee 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 Tennessee or Kentucky?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Tennessee than in Kentucky. Housing is much more affordable in Kentucky, with average rent about 14% less and home prices 33.6% lower than in Tennessee. Tennessee has no income tax.

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

You should make approximately $65,649 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Kentucky. The cost of living in Kentucky is approximately $2,481 per month for an individual and $4,351 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 Louisville and Lexington will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources