($907) Moving From Tennessee to Kentucky

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Tennessee to Kentucky ranges from $334 to $5,003 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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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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  • Family owned & operated
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  • Unlimited storage
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee guide.

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The best Tennessee to Kentucky movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Kentucky:

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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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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
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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

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

Looking for local Tennessee movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gouffon Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
1520 Amherst Road, Knoxville, TN, 37909
(865) 584-8545
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
101 Cummings Ct, Antioch, TN, 37013
(336) 810-1801

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

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 $907 - $3,085 $633 - $1,541 $298 - $591
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,719 - $5,003 $1,160 - $2,010 $334 - $699
4+ bedrooms $2,401 - $6,182 $1,428 - $2,544 $393 - $763

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 293 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 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.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost between $907 and $3,085. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from TN to KY will range from $1,719 to $5,003, and a large move from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost from $2,401 to $6,182.

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

Moving containers from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost you $633 to $1,541 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,160 to $2,010. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,428 to $2,544. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Tennessee 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 $298 to $591. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $334 to $699, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Tennessee to Kentucky costs from $393 to $763.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Tennessee to Kentucky a good idea?

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 $897 $783
Average home cost $309,913 $196,580
Average income (per capita) $64,035 $60,183
Cost of Living Index 0 93
Unemployment rate 3.5% 4.2%
Average Sales Tax 9.55% 6.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 4.5%
  • Rent is about 13% less expensive in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
  • Home prices are about 37% 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 20%.
  • Sales taxes are 37% lower in Kentucky than in Tennessee.
  • Income taxes are 5% higher in Kentucky than in Tennessee.

How does life in Kentucky differ from Tennessee?

Kentucky Tennessee
Population 4,512,310 7,051,339
Political leaning Republican 62-36 Republican 61-37
Summer high 87ºF 88ºF
Winter low 24ºF 27ºF
Annual rain 48" 53"
Annual snow 11" 5"
Crime index 20.19 29.59
  • 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 forty-eight inches of annual rainfall in Kentucky versus fifty-three inches of rainfall in Tennessee.
  • In Kentucky, it snows about eleven inches annually versus five inches of snow in Tennessee.
  • Kentucky has a lower crime rate than Tennessee with a crime index of 29.59 vs 20.19.

Comparing the pros of Tennessee vs. Kentucky

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

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

Not everything is 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

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 Tennessee to Kentucky?

The cheapest way to move from Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Kentucky?

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?

It is generally cheaper to live in Tennessee than in Kentucky. Housing is much more affordable in Kentucky, with average rent about 13% less and home prices 36.6% lower than in Tennessee. Tennessee has no income tax.

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.

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