Kentucky to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to California

ConsKentucky

• Limited cultural diversity
• Harsh winters
• Few tech job opportunities
• Limited entertainment options

ProsCalifornia

• Vibrant cultural scene
• Mild year-round climate
• Tech industry hub
• Abundant entertainment venues

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California

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Distanced social atmosphere
• Overcrowded tourist sites

Kentucky

• Lower cost of living
• Quiet neighborhoods
• Strong local community
• Beautiful nature spots

Pros of moving from Kentucky to California

• Say goodbye to limited cultural diversity and hello to a vibrant cultural scene
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to California with a mild year-round climate
• Swap the few tech job opportunities of Kentucky for a tech industry hub in California
• Get ready for abundant entertainment venues in California

Cons of moving from Kentucky to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Kentucky to live with a high cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of quiet neighborhoods and have to settle with the con of traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to a strong local community and get used to a distanced social atmosphere in California
• Swap beautiful nature spots for overcrowded tourist sites

Kentucky vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Kentucky to California, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of California. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Fish 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 Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, Seviche, and Jack Fry's. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and Nopalito.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and California

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and privacy, California real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly elements and ocean views.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Kentucky.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
• California has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
• California housing costs are 289% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
• Rent in California is 108.25% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to California. California gets 46% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
• California 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 earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
• The average winter lows are 22 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 26.9 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 54% more than those in Kentucky
• The COLI in California is 55% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 5% in KY
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
• The poverty level is mixed in California compared to noticeable poverty in Kentucky
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. California

• Kentucky tends to lean generally conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as generally progressive
• California's religious environment can be described as more religiously diverse with a sizeable Catholic and religiously unaffiliated population alongside many faiths including Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and others, with overall religiosity below the national average
• Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having higher overall religiosity with a large share of Evangelical Protestant and other Christian traditions, church attendance above the national average, and a smaller but growing religiously unaffiliated population

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to California

How Much Do Kentucky to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,310 miles from Kentucky to California 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.