Planning a 526 mile interstate move from Kentucky to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job market vs diverse career opportunities), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs federal, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Bourbon BBQ Ribs, but get your taste buds ready
for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Wings
DC housing costs are 208% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
Rent in DC is 83.28% more expensive than in Kentucky
Moving from Kentucky to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
If you're moving from Kentucky to DC, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Bourbon BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Hot Brown Slider, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Jumbo Slice Pizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad with Local Veggies of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like Corbett's An American Place, Jack Fry's, and Mama Louisa's. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Komi.
When comparing lifestyles, DC shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Kentucky. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in DC, compared to what you are used to in Kentucky. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in DC.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and DC
The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and historic features.
Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Kentucky.
Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
DC has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
DC housing costs are 208% more expensive than they are in Kentucky with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Kentuckyβs $201,332.
Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
Rent in DC is 83.28% more expensive than in Kentucky.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Kentucky and DC
Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to DC. DC gets 4% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
DC 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 hurricanes and winter storms in DC.
The average summer high temperature in DC is 2 degrees warmer than in Kentucky.
The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and DC
Comparison
Kentucky
DC
Avg. Household Income
$59,341
$101,027
Cost of Living Index
87.8
140.1
State Income Tax
5.00
10.75
Avg. Property Tax
0.83
0.56
Avg. Sales Tax
6.00
6.00
Top 3 Industries
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Automotive
Government, Education, Professional Services
Affluence
Modest
Prosperous
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
Low
Noticeable
When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 70% more than those in Kentucky
The COLI in DC is 60% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
The state income tax in DC is 10.75 compared to 5.00 in KY
The affluence in DC is prosperous compared to modest in Kentucky
The poverty level is low in DC compared to moderate in Kentucky
In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and noticeable in DC
Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. DC
Comparison
Kentucky
DC
Political Make-up
Conservative, Republican-leaning
Liberal, Democratic-leaning
Local Politics
Statewide focus on agricultural, education, and economic issues
Urban governance, civil rights, and federal government relations
Religion
Christian-majority, with a significant Baptist presence
Diverse, with a higher proportion of non-religious individuals
Kentucky tends to lean conservative and Republican-leaning in its political climate
D.C., on the other hand, is often described as liberal and Democratic-leaning
D.C.'s religious environment can be described as diverse, with a higher proportion of non-religious individuals
Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian-majority, with a significant Baptist presence
Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to DC
Comparison
Kentucky
DC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)
University of Kentucky University of Louisville Western Kentucky University
Georgetown University George Washington University American University
Top 3 Elementary Schools
Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington) Stopher Elementary (Louisville) Mann Elementary (Union)
Lafayette Elementary (Washington) Janney Elementary (Washington) Mann Elementary (Washington)
Top 3 Middle Schools
Beaumont Middle (Lexington) Barret Traditional Middle (Louisville) Boyle County Middle (Danville)
Deal Middle School (Washington) Hardy Middle School (Washington) McKinley Middle School (Washington)
Top 3 High Schools
DuPont Manual High (Louisville) Beechwood High (Fort Mitchell) North Oldham High (Goshen)
Banneker High (Washington) School Without Walls High (Washington) Wilson High (Washington)
Top 3 private high schools
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville) St. Xavier High School (Louisville) Lexington Catholic High (Lexington)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington) Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda) Gonzaga College High School (Washington)
Top 3 private K-12 schools
Sayre School (Lexington) Kentucky Country Day School (Louisville) The Lexington School (Lexington)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington) Georgetown Day School (Washington) Maret School (Washington)
Top 3 School Districts
Oldham County Schools Fort Thomas Independent Schools Beechwood Independent School District
District of Columbia Public Schools
How Much Do Kentucky to DC Movers Cost?
Moving 526 miles from Kentucky to DC will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
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