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Kentucky to Colorado Moving Guide

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Updated June 4, 2025

Planning a 1,271 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Colorado? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Colorado across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humidity vs dry climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Rocky Mountain Oysters), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs mountain, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and BBQ Mutton, but get your taste buds ready for Rocky Mountain Oysters & Bison Burgers
  • Colorado housing costs are 173% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Colorado is 54.80% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Colorado will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Colorado movers is Movemasters, Inc.
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Top Kentucky to Colorado Movers

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

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Colorado

9.59/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.53/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.17/10
Exceptional

Kentucky to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Colorado

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Humidity
  • Tornado risk
  • Limited ski options
  • Hot summers
ProsColorado iconColorado
  • Dry climate
  • Mountain views
  • Winter sports
  • Cooler temperatures

Colorado iconColorado
  • Higher cost of living
  • Altitude adjustment
  • Less greenery
  • Pricey Denver rentals
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Family-oriented
  • Rich history
  • Lush landscapes
  • Lower housing costs

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Colorado

  • Say goodbye to humidity and hello to dry climate
  • Look forward to moving away from tornado risk and moving to Colorado with mountain views
  • Swap the limited ski options of Kentucky for winter sports in Colorado
  • Get ready for cooler temperatures in Colorado

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Colorado

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from family-oriented Kentucky to live with a higher cost of living in Colorado
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of altitude adjustment
  • Time to bid farewell to lush landscapes and get used to less greenery in Colorado
  • Swap lower housing costs for pricey Denver rentals

Kentucky vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyColorado
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenRocky Mountain Oysters
Most popular meat dishBBQ MuttonBison Burgers
Most popular street food itemHot BrownsTacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan BBQJackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Weber's Annex
  • Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
  • The Brown Hotel
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 Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful BBQ Mutton and sumptuous Hot Browns, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Jackfruit Tacos of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like Weber's Annex, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, and The Brown Hotel. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like The Buckhorn Exchange, Beast + Bottle, and Root Down.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Colorado

ComparisonKentuckyColorado
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanMountain, Modern
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, privacyMountain views, sustainability features
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Mountain and Modern architecture typical of Colorado.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and sustainability features.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Colorado is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Colorado is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Colorado has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Colorado housing costs are 173% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased by 40% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Colorado is 54.80% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyColorado
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, Snowstorms
Air QualityGood to ModerateVaries, Generally Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F85Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44Β°F / 23Β°F45Β°F / 18Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)48"15"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)22"60"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Colorado. Colorado gets 26% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Colorado 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 snowstorms in Colorado.
  • The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Colorado. Colorado receives 33 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Colorado

ComparisonKentuckyColorado
Avg. Household Income$59,341$89,302
Cost of Living Index87.898.3
State Income Tax5%4.63%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.57%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7.65%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, MiningAerospace, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 50% more than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Colorado will be 12% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in CO is 4.63% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Colorado is high compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is low in Colorado compared to moderate poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Colorado

ComparisonKentuckyColorado
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanIncreasingly leans Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative on national issuesMixed, with liberal strongholds
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly ChristianLess religious, diverse religious landscape
  • Kentucky tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as increasingly Democratic
  • Colorado's religious environment can be described as less religious and diverse
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Colorado

ComparisonKentuckyColorado
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
Lexington; Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green; University of Louisville
Louisville
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder; Colorado State University
Fort Collins; University of Denver
Denver
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsNorthern Elementary
Lexington; Rosa Parks Elementary
Lexington; Cassidy Elementary
Lexington
Bromwell Elementary
Denver; High Peaks Elementary
Boulder; Cory Elementary
Denver
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGlasgow Middle School
Glasgow; Anchorage Public School
Anchorage; J.M. Atherton Middle
Louisville
Summit Middle School
Boulder; Bear Creek Elementary
Boulder; Challenge School
Cherry Creek
Top 3 High SchoolsDunbar High School
Lexington; Lafayette High School
Lexington; Paul G. Blazer High
Ashland
Cherry Creek High School
Greenwood Village; Fairview High School
Boulder; Rock Canyon High School
Highlands Ranch
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Lexington School
Lexington; Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
Kent Denver School
Englewood; Colorado Academy
Denver; St. Mary’s Academy
Englewood
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSayre School
Lexington; Lexington Christian Academy
Lexington; Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville
Graland Country Day School
Denver; Colorado Academy
Denver; St. Mary’s Academy
Englewood
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools
Lexington; Jefferson County Public Schools
Louisville; Boone County School District
Florence
Boulder Valley School District
Boulder; Cherry Creek School District
Greenwood Village; Douglas County School District
Castle Rock

How Much Do Kentucky to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 1,271 miles from Kentucky to Colorado will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,923300 ft3$6.41
1 Bedroom$2,862450 ft3$6.36
2 Bedrooms$4,733750 ft3$6.31
3 Bedrooms$6,8861100 ft3$6.26
4 Bedrooms$9,9361600 ft3$6.21
5+ Bedrooms$11,0881800 ft3$6.16