Movers

DC to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 529 mile interstate move from DC to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing costs), food & health (like Half-Smoke vs Hot Brown), real estate & housing (row houses, victorian vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-Smoke and Mumbo Sauce with Chicken Wings, but get your taste buds ready for Hot Brown & Fried Chicken
  • Kentucky housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Kentucky is 45.44% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended DC to Kentucky movers is Bookstore Movers

DC to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Kentucky

ConsDC iconDC
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Political tension
  • Harsh winters
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Lower housing costs
  • Less crowded roads
  • Friendly communities
  • Mild winters

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Fewer museums
  • Limited cuisine variety
  • Limited transport options
DC iconDC
  • Cultural attractions
  • Diverse dining options
  • Public transportation

Pros of moving from DC to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing costs
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Kentucky with less crowded roads
  • Swap the political tension of DC for friendly communities in Kentucky
  • Get ready for mild winters in Kentucky

Cons of moving from DC to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural attractions in DC to live with fewer museums in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse dining options and have to settle for the con of limited cuisine variety
  • Time to bid farewell to public transportation and get used to limited transport options in Kentucky

DC vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCKentucky
Most iconic local food itemHalf-SmokeHot Brown
Most popular meat dishMumbo Sauce with Chicken WingsFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemJumbo Slice PizzaBarbecue Mutton
Most popular vegan foodVegetable CurryVegan Hot Brown
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Maketto
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 DC to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of DC for the equally delicious Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce with Chicken Wings and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Barbecue Mutton to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Curry they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Hot Brown of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Cafe, and Maketto. 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 (Home of the Hot Brown), Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, and Carson's Food & Drink.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Kentucky

ComparisonDCKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleRow houses, VictorianColonial, Craftsman
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 listingProximity to metro, historic charmLarge yards, scenic views
  • The Row houses and Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the metro and historic charm, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and scenic views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 45.44% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCKentucky
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateModerate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88/7187/66
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47/2944/27
Annual Rainfall (Inches)40.7850.1
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.422
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 3% fewer sunshine days than DC.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 1 degree colder than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 9.3 more inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Kentucky

ComparisonDCKentucky
Avg. Household Income$101,027$59,341
Cost of Living Index140.187.8
State Income Tax6.54.5
Avg. Property Tax0.560.87
Avg. Sales Tax6.06.0
Top 3 IndustriesFederal Government, Education, TechnologyAgriculture, Manufacturing, Trade
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessHighModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 41% less than in DC
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 37% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in KY is 4.5% compared to 6.5% in DC
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is high in Kentucky compared to moderate in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in DC and moderate in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Kentucky

ComparisonDCKentucky
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticLeans Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, high engagementConservative values, local governance focus
ReligionDiverse, with no single dominant religionPrimarily Christian, with a strong Baptist presence
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a strong Baptist presence
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with no single dominant religion

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Kentucky

ComparisonDCKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
Howard University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBasis DC
Washington Yu Ying PCS
Capital City PCS - Lower School
Atherton High School
Louisville; Beechwood Independent
Fort Mitchell; Highlands High School
Fort Thomas
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBasis DC
Hardy Middle School
Deal Middle School
DuPont Manual High
Louisville; Murray High
Murray; Glasgow High School
Glasgow
Top 3 High SchoolsBenjamin Banneker High
School Without Walls High School
McKinley Technology High School
DuPont Manual High
Louisville; Beechwood High School
Fort Mitchell; Highlands High School
Fort Thomas
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Preparatory School
National Cathedral School
Sacred Heart Academy
Louisville; Lexington Catholic High
Lexington; Trinity High School
Louisville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSidwell Friends School
Georgetown Day School
St. Albans School
The Lexington School
Lexington; Kentucky Country Day School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
Top 3 School DistrictsDC Public SchoolsFayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Boone County Schools

How Much Do DC to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 529 miles from DC to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,502300 ft3$5.01
1 Bedroom$2,231450 ft3$4.96
2 Bedrooms$3,681750 ft3$4.91
3 Bedrooms$5,3441100 ft3$4.86
4 Bedrooms$7,6931600 ft3$4.81
5+ Bedrooms$8,5641800 ft3$4.76

Top DC to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to Kentucky

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ap Pro Moving Llc featured image

Ap Pro Moving Llc

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details