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Kentucky to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 1,727 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Arizona? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Arizona across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs dry climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Chimichanga), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs pueblo, spanish revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Chimichanga & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 114% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Arizona is 46.18% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Kentucky to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Arizona

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • High humidity
  • Severe winters
  • Less diverse culture
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Lower job growth
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Dry climate
  • Mild winters
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Ample hiking trails
  • Growing job opportunities

Arizona iconArizona
  • Desert landscape
  • Sparse vegetation
  • Urban expansion
  • Less historical depth
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Scenic horse farms
  • Abundant green space
  • Quiet living environment
  • Deep-rooted traditions

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a dry climate
  • Look forward to moving away from severe winters and moving to Arizona with mild winters
  • Swap the less diverse culture of Kentucky for rich cultural diversity in Arizona
  • Get ready for ample hiking trails in Arizona

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from scenic horse farms in Kentucky to live with a desert landscape in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of abundant green space and have to settle for the con of sparse vegetation
  • Time to bid farewell to a quiet living environment and get used to urban expansion in Arizona
  • Swap deep-rooted traditions for less historical depth

Kentucky vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyArizona
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenChimichanga
Most popular meat dishBurgooCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichTacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Burrito
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Ramsey's
  • Holly Hill Inn
  • Mamaw's Polka Dot Kitchen
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Barrio Queen
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 Kentucky to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Chimichanga of Arizona. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Burrito of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Ramsey's, Holly Hill Inn, and Mamaw's Polka Dot Kitchen. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Barrio Queen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Arizona

ComparisonKentuckyArizona
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanPueblo, Spanish Revival
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, GaragesSwimming pools, Desert landscapes
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Spanish Revival architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and desert landscapes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arizona is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arizona is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Arizona has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Arizona housing costs are 114% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Arizona is 46.18% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyArizona
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, FloodsWildfires, Heatwaves
Air QualityGood to ModerateVaries Widely
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87/66104/81
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44/2868/46
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4913
Annual Snowfall (Inches)100-25
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Arizona. Arizona gets 47% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 17 degrees warmer than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 18 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 36 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Arizona

ComparisonKentuckyArizona
Avg. Household Income$59,341$74,568
Cost of Living Index87.8101.2
State Income Tax5%2.59% - 4.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.67%
Avg. Sales Tax6%8.4%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, MiningHealthcare, Retail, Tourism
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyMid-rangeHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 26% more than those in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 15% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in AZ is 2.59% - 4.5% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Arizona is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is higher in Arizona compared to mid-range poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and moderate in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Arizona

ComparisonKentuckyArizona
Political Make-upTraditionally leans conservative, but with competitive Democratic areas, especially in urban centers.Mixed political landscape, with historical leanings toward conservatism, but recent trends show increasing support for Democratic candidates.
Local PoliticsLocal politics has a strong focus on coal mining, agriculture, and rural issues.Local politics often revolves around issues of immigration, border security, and urban development.
ReligionHighly religious, with a strong presence of Baptist and other Christian denominations. Kentucky Baptist ConventionMore religiously mixed, with significant populations of Catholics, Mormons, and non-religious individuals. Diocese of Phoenix
  • Kentucky tends to lean traditionally conservative but has competitive Democratic areas, especially in urban centers in its political climate.
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as having a mixed political landscape with historical leanings toward conservatism, but recent trends show increasing support for Democratic candidates.
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as more religiously mixed with significant populations of Catholics, Mormons, and non-religious individuals.
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious with a strong presence of Baptist and other Christian denominations.

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Arizona

ComparisonKentuckyArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBrandies Elementary School (Louisville)
Ashland Elementary School (Lexington)
Highlands Latin School (Louisville)
Basis Scottsdale Primary - West Campus (Scottsdale)
Chandler Traditional Academy - Independence (Gilbert)
Khalsa Montessori Elementary School (Phoenix)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHighlands Latin Middle School (Louisville)
Beechwood Middle School (Fort Mitchell)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Chandler (Chandler)
Basis Tucson North (Tucson)
Top 3 High SchoolsduPont Manual High School (Louisville)
Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Basis Oro Valley (Oro Valley)
Basis Peoria (Peoria)
Top 3 private high schoolsSt. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School (Lexington)
Highlands Latin School (Louisville)
Kentucky Country Day School (Louisville)
Basis Scottsdale (Scottsdale)
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Top 3 School DistrictsOldham County Public Schools
Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Scottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools

How Much Do Kentucky to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,727 miles from Kentucky to Arizona will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,182300 ft3$7.27
1 Bedroom$3,250450 ft3$7.22
2 Bedrooms$5,379750 ft3$7.17
3 Bedrooms$7,8341100 ft3$7.12
4 Bedrooms$11,3151600 ft3$7.07
5+ Bedrooms$12,6391800 ft3$7.02

Top Kentucky to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Arizona

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details