Movers

Kentucky to California Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 2,310 mile interstate move from Kentucky to California? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs California across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited cultural diversity vs vibrant cultural scene), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Sourdough Bread), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs modern, spanish), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in California), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Sourdough Bread & Tri-tip
  • California housing costs are 289% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in California is 108.25% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to California will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to California movers is OCD Moving Services LLC

Kentucky to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to California

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Limited cultural diversity
  • Harsh winters
  • Few tech job opportunities
  • Limited entertainment options
ProsCalifornia iconCalifornia
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Mild year-round climate
  • Tech industry hub
  • Abundant entertainment venues

California iconCalifornia
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Distanced social atmosphere
  • Overcrowded tourist sites
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishBurgooTri-tip
Most popular street food itemHot BrownFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chez Panisse
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Nopalito
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 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

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanModern, Spanish
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 backyards, privacyEco-friendly features, ocean views
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
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, FloodsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 65Β°F85Β°F / 60Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)43Β°F / 23Β°F60Β°F / 45Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)48.9"22"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)11"Variable
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Avg. Household Income$59,341$91,551
Cost of Living Index87.8136.4
State Income Tax5%13.3%
Avg. Property Tax0.86%0.74%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7.25%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareTechnology, Entertainment, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableMixed
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanStrong Democratic lean
Local PoliticsLocal governance can vary, with a mix of Democratic and Republican strongholdsDiversity in local politics, with a prevalence of Democratic leadership, especially in urban areas
ReligionChristianity predominantly, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Evangelical ProtestantReligious diversity, with a high number of people identifying with no religion, followed by Christianity
  • Kentucky tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • California's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse, with a high number of people identifying with no religion followed by Christianity
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a significant portion of the population identifying as Evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to California

ComparisonKentuckyCalifornia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of California (various campuses)
California State University (various campuses)
Stanford University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLowe Elementary (Louisville)
Beechwood Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Mann Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Hawthorne Elementary (Beverly Hills)
Lincoln Elementary (Burlingame)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle (Lexington)
North Oldham Middle (Goshen)
Henry E. Huntington Middle (San Marino)
Rancho San Joaquin Middle (Irvine)
Carmel Valley Middle (San Diego)
Top 3 High SchoolsDuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High (Fort Mitchell)
California Academy of Mathematics and Science (Carson)
Oxford Academy (Cypress)
Whitney High (Cerritos)
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
St. Xavier High (Louisville)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
The Bishop's School (La Jolla)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The Harker School (San Jose)
Crossroads School (Santa Monica)
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Oldham County Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District
San Marino Unified School District

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.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: CC Relocation, Inc.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,512300 ft3$8.37
1 Bedroom$3,746450 ft3$8.32
2 Bedrooms$6,205750 ft3$8.27
3 Bedrooms$9,0461100 ft3$8.22
4 Bedrooms$13,0781600 ft3$8.17
5+ Bedrooms$14,6231800 ft3$8.12

Top Kentucky to California Movers

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

TOP PICK
OCD Moving Services LLC featured image

OCD Moving Services LLC

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to California

9.67/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Pure Moving featured image

Pure Moving

9.64/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.17/10
Exceptional

Louisville to California

Lexington to California