Illinois to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Kentucky

ConsIllinois

• High property taxes
• Harsh lake winters
• Costly housing
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Costly city parking
• Long commute times
• Frequent toll roads
• Higher sales taxes
• Flat scenery
• Higher overall costs
• Crowded urban areas
• Lake-effect snow
• Older housing stock
• Big-city noise
• Limited mountain access

ProsKentucky

• Lower property taxes
• Milder winters
• More affordable homes
• Lighter traffic
• Easier cheaper parking
• Shorter commutes
• Fewer toll roads
• Lower sales taxes
• Scenic hills and trails
• Lower cost of living
• Roomier small cities
• Lighter snowfall
• Newer subdivisions
• Quieter neighborhoods
• Near Appalachia

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Kentucky

• Smaller job market
• Lower average wages
• Limited public transit
• Fewer direct flights
• Fewer major museums
• Fewer pro teams
• Smaller food scene
• More car dependent
• No Great Lakes
• Fewer big city options
• Fewer research campuses
• Smaller tech ecosystem
• Fewer specialty centers
• Fewer large festivals
• Limited rail service

Illinois

• Large job market
• Higher average salaries
• Extensive public transit
• Major air connections
• World class museums
• Pro sports teams
• Diverse dining scene
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Lake Michigan access
• Dense urban amenities
• Top research universities
• Robust tech sector
• Comprehensive healthcare hubs
• Frequent cultural festivals
• Extensive rail network

Pros of moving from Illinois to Kentucky

• Say goodbye to high property taxes and hello to lower property taxes
• Look forward to moving away from harsh lake winters and moving to Kentucky with milder winters
• Swap the costly housing of Illinois for more affordable homes in Kentucky
• Get ready for lighter traffic in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Illinois to Kentucky

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a large job market in Illinois to live with a smaller job market in Kentucky
• You'll lose out on the pro of higher average salaries and have to settle for the con of lower average wages
• Time to bid farewell to extensive public transit and get used to limited public transit in Kentucky
• Swap major air connections for fewer direct flights

Illinois vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef Sandwich and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Hot Brown Sandwich and Bourbon Balls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Kentucky Beer Cheese of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Giordano's, Portillo's, and Alinea. 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, KFC, and Ramsi's Cafe on the World.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Kentucky

• The Prairie and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Kentucky.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and hardwood floors.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Kentucky is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Kentucky housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Illinois with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased 47% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Kentucky is 25.22% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 3% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Kentucky has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Illinois, 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 Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 10 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Kentucky

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 23% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Kentucky is 7% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Kentucky is lower compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is higher in Kentucky compared to moderate in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is higher in Illinois and lower in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Kentucky

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
• Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Southern Baptist
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a large Catholic population

How Much Do Illinois to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 407 miles from Illinois to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.