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Indiana to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 282 mile interstate move from Indiana to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Kentucky Hot Brown), real estate & housing (colonial revival vs craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Indiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Beef Manhattan, but get your taste buds ready for Kentucky Hot Brown & Fried Chicken
  • Kentucky housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in Kentucky is 2.98% more affordable than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Indiana to Kentucky movers is MVM Moving & Storage

Indiana to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to Kentucky

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Harsh winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • Higher taxes
  • Urban sprawl
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Milder climate
  • Less congestion
  • Tax benefits
  • Scenic landscapes

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Fewer job options
  • Limited education options
  • Developing infrastructure
  • Smaller arts community
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Diverse job market
  • Renowned universities
  • Well-developed infrastructure
  • Thriving arts scene

Pros of moving from Indiana to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Kentucky with less congestion
  • Swap the higher taxes of Indiana for tax benefits in Kentucky
  • Get ready for scenic landscapes in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Indiana to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse job market in Indiana to live with fewer job options in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of renowned universities and have to settle for the con of limited education options
  • Time to bid farewell to well-developed infrastructure and get used to developing infrastructure in Kentucky
  • Swap a thriving arts scene for a smaller arts community

Indiana vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichKentucky Hot Brown
Most popular meat dishBeef ManhattanFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemEloteBurgoo
Most popular vegan foodVegetable IndianapolisBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • The Loft at Traders Point
  • Proof on Main
  • 610 Magnolia
  • The Greyhound Tavern
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 Indiana to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Kentucky Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Beef Manhattan and sumptuous Elote, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Burgoo to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Indianapolis they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indiana eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and The Loft at Traders Point. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Proof on Main, 610 Magnolia, and The Greyhound Tavern.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and Kentucky

ComparisonIndianaKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalCraftsman
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 listingLarge yards, basementsOutdoor entertainment spaces, horse properties
  • The Colonial Revival architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and basements, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor entertainment spaces and horse properties.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Kentucky is more walkable than Indiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Kentucky is more bike-friendly than Indiana.
  • Kentucky has more of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 15% less expensive than they are in Indiana with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased 47% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 2.98% more affordable than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaKentucky
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 DisastersTornadoes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6487/66
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35/2044/27
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2211
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indiana to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 5% more sunshine days than Indiana.
  • Kentucky has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indiana, 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 Indiana.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and Kentucky

ComparisonIndianaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$66,785$59,341
Cost of Living Index92.9587.8
State Income Tax3.23%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareManufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowMedium
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 11% less than in Indiana
  • The COLI in Kentucky is 6% lower than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 3.23% in IN
  • The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to moderate in Indiana
  • The poverty level is medium in Kentucky compared to low in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indiana and moderate in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. Kentucky

ComparisonIndianaKentucky
Political Make-upLean RepublicanLean Republican
Local PoliticsMixed, with urban areas leaning DemocraticMostly Republican, with urban exceptions
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse denominationsChristianity predominant, Baptists notably influential
  • Indiana tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, with Baptists being notably influential
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with diverse denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to Kentucky

ComparisonIndianaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Purdue University
Ball State University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSigler Elementary - West Lafayette
Princeton Elementary - Princeton
Cumberland Road - Fishers
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional - Louisville
Brandeswood STEM - Louisville
Stopher Elementary - Louisville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWest Lafayette Jr/Sr High School - West Lafayette
Brown County Junior High - Nashville
Tri-West Middle School - Lizton
Barret Traditional Middle School - Louisville
Bowen Elementary - Louisville
Scott County Middle School - Georgetown
Top 3 High SchoolsSignature School - Evansville
Carmel High School - Carmel
Herron High School - Indianapolis
duPont Manual High - Louisville
North Oldham High School - Goshen
Beechwood High School - Fort Mitchell
Top 3 private high schoolsPark Tudor - Indianapolis
Culver Academies - Culver
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School - Indianapolis
Sacred Heart Academy - Louisville
St. Xavier High School - Louisville
Trinity High School - Louisville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Indiana - Carmel
The Orchard School - Indianapolis
Traders Point Christian Academy - Whitestown
The Lexington School - Lexington
Sayre School - Lexington
Christian Academy of Louisville - Louisville
Top 3 School DistrictsWest Lafayette Community School Corporation
Carmel Clay Schools
Zionsville Community Schools
Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Oldham County Schools

How Much Do Indiana to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 282 miles from Indiana 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,362300 ft3$4.54
1 Bedroom$2,021450 ft3$4.49
2 Bedrooms$3,331750 ft3$4.44
3 Bedrooms$4,8301100 ft3$4.39
4 Bedrooms$6,9461600 ft3$4.34
5+ Bedrooms$7,7241800 ft3$4.29

Top Indiana to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Indiana to Kentucky

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.13/10
ExceptionalView details