Movers

California to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 2,310 mile interstate move from California to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in California vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Sushi vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (modern, spanish vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Sushi and Tri-tip steak, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Chicken & Hot Brown
  • Kentucky housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in California
  • Rent in Kentucky is 51.98% more affordable than in California
  • Moving from California to Kentucky will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended California to Kentucky movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

California vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonCaliforniaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemSushiFried Chicken
Most popular meat dishTri-tip steakHot Brown
Most popular street food itemTacosBurgoo
Most popular vegan foodAvocado toastBarbecued tofu
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • n/naka
  • The French Laundry
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Mammoth Cave Hotel's Crystal Lake Coffee Shop
  • Claudia Sanders Dinner House
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from California to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic sushi of California for the equally delicious fried chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful tri-tip steak and sumptuous tacos, Kentucky residents know they have tasty hot brown and burgoo to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the barbecued tofu of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, n/naka, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Brown Hotel, Mammoth Cave Hotel's Crystal Lake Coffee Shop, and Claudia Sanders Dinner House.

When comparing lifestyles, Kentucky shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Kentucky, compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Kentucky.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Kentucky

ComparisonCaliforniaKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOutdoor living spaces, Smart home featuresLarge lots, Proximity to nature
  • The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor living spaces and smart home features, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than California.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than California.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than California.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to California’s $783,666.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased 47% compared to a 42% increase in California.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 51.98% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Kentucky

ComparisonCaliforniaKentucky
Days of Sunshine per Year284 days195 days
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityVaries by region, major cities have issuesGenerally moderate, varies by location
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 55Β°F87Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)68Β°F / 48Β°F44Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)22 inches50 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0-5 inches10-20 inches
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 31% fewer sunshine days than California.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees warmer than in California.
  • The average winter lows are 20 degrees colder in Kentucky than they are in California.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 28 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Kentucky

ComparisonCaliforniaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$91,551$59,341
Cost of Living Index136.487.8
State Income Tax13.3%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.76%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax8.25%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateNotable
HomelessnessSevereLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 35% less than in California
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 36% lower than what you are used to living in California
  • The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 13.3% in CA
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to high in California
  • The poverty level is notable in Kentucky compared to moderate in California
  • In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and low in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Kentucky

ComparisonCaliforniaKentucky
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesTraditional Policies
ReligionMore secular/Various religionsPrimarily Christian
  • California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian
  • California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more secular and various religions

Education Guide When Moving from California to Kentucky

ComparisonCaliforniaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of California
Stanford University
California State University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOrinda Union School District (Orinda)
Montecito Union School (Santa Barbara)
Cold Spring School (Santa Barbara)
Anchorage Independent (Anchorage)
Beechwood Independent (Fort Mitchell)
Pikeville Independent (Pikeville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMill Valley Middle (Mill Valley)
Egan Junior High (Los Altos)
Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Barret Traditional Middle (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle (Lexington)
Northern Middle (Somerset)
Top 3 High SchoolsHenry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto)
Palo Alto High (Palo Alto)
Lynbrook High (San Jose)
Dupont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High (Fort Thomas)
Bowling Green High (Bowling Green)
Top 3 private high schoolsHarvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
Webb Schools (Claremont)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Marin Country Day School (Corte Madera)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Kentucky Country Day School (Louisville)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Top 3 School DistrictsPalo Alto Unified
San Marino Unified
La CaΓ±ada Unified
Fayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Oldham County Schools

How Much Do California to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 2,310 miles from California to Kentucky will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,512300 ft3$8.37
1 Bedroom$3,746450 ft3$8.32
2 Bedrooms$6,205750 ft3$8.27
3 Bedrooms$9,0461100 ft3$8.22
4 Bedrooms$13,0781600 ft3$8.17
5+ Bedrooms$14,6231800 ft3$8.12

Top California to Kentucky Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best California to Kentucky movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for California to Kentucky

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. featured image

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details