Kentucky to Indiana Moving Guide
Updated June 13, 2025

Planning a 282 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Indiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Indiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher state taxes vs lower state taxes), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Pork Tenderloin Sandwich), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Indiana), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Sugar Cream Pie
- Indiana housing costs are 18% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
- Rent in Indiana is 3.07% more expensive than in Kentucky
- Moving from Kentucky to Indiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended Kentucky to Indiana movers is MVM Moving & Storage
Kentucky to Indiana Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Indiana
- Higher state taxes
- Limited public transport
- Fewer tech jobs
- Flood-prone areas
- Lower state taxes
- Reliable public transit
- Growing tech industry
- Less flood risk
- Harsher winters
- Fewer such events
- Less known for bourbon
- Less prevalent charm
- Mild winters
- Horse racing events
- Rich bourbon culture
- Southern charm
Pros of moving from Kentucky to Indiana
- Say goodbye to higher state taxes and hello to lower state taxes
- Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to Indiana with reliable public transit
- Swap the fewer tech jobs of Kentucky for a growing tech industry in Indiana
- Get ready for less flood risk in Indiana
Cons of moving from Kentucky to Indiana
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in Kentucky to live with harsher winters in Indiana
- You'll lose out on the pro of horse racing events and have to settle for the con of fewer such events
- Time to bid farewell to a rich bourbon culture and get used to less known for bourbon in Indiana
- Swap southern charm for less prevalent charm
Kentucky vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Kentucky | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Chicken | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Burgoo | Sugar Cream Pie |
Most popular street food item | Hot Brown Sandwich | Corn Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Vegan BLT |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Kentucky to Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Indiana residents know they have tasty Sugar Cream Pie and Corn Dogs 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 BLT of Indiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, 610 Magnolia, and Holly Hill Inn. After the boxes are unpacked in Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like Blue Gate Restaurant and Theatre, St. Elmo Steak House, and The LOMBARDI.
When comparing lifestyles, Indiana shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Kentucky. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Indiana, compared to what you are used to in Kentucky. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Indiana.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Indiana
Comparison | Kentucky | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Craftsman, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Garages | Open concept, Hardwood floors |
- The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Indiana.
- Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like open concept and hardwood floors.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Indiana is more walkable than Kentucky.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Indiana is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
- Indiana has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
- Indiana housing costs are 18% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to Kentuckyβs $201,332.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased by 54% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
- Rent in Indiana is 3.07% more expensive than in Kentucky.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Kentucky and Indiana
Comparison | Kentucky | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornados, Floods | Tornados, Harsh Winters |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 87Β°F / 66Β°F | 85Β°F / 64Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 41Β°F / 23Β°F | 35Β°F / 20Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 48" | 42" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 11" | 22" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kentucky to Indiana. Indiana gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Kentucky.
- Indiana has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kentucky.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and harsh winters in Indiana.
- The average summer high temperature in Indiana is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
- The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Indiana. Indiana receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Indiana
Comparison | Kentucky | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,341 | $66,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 87.8 | 92.95 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 3.23% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.83% | 0.87% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 7% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Significant | Noticeable |
Homelessness | Manageable | Manageable |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 13% more than those in Kentucky
- The COLI in Indiana will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
- The state income tax in IN is 3.23% compared to 5% in KY
- The affluence in Indiana is moderate compared to moderate in Kentucky
- The poverty level is noticeable in Indiana compared to significant in Kentucky
- In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Kentucky and manageable in Indiana
Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Indiana
Comparison | Kentucky | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally leans conservative | Mixed but has conservative leanings |
Local Politics | Counties can vary significantly in political leanings | Urban areas lean more liberal, rural areas are more conservative |
Religion | Christianity dominates, with Southern Baptist Convention being significant | Christianity widely practiced, with a notable Catholic presence |
- Kentucky tends to lean traditionally conservative in its political climate
- Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as mixed but has conservative leanings
- Indiana's religious environment can be described as Christianity widely practiced, with a notable Catholic presence
- Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominating, with the Southern Baptist Convention being significant
Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Indiana
Comparison | Kentucky | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Kentucky University of Louisville Western Kentucky University | Indiana University Bloomington Purdue University West Lafayette Ball State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Brandies Elementary School (Louisville) Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington) Mann Elementary (Union) | Webster Elementary School (Webster) Smoky Row Elementary (Carmel) Cumberland Road Elementary (Fishers) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville) Highlands Middle School (Fort Thomas) South Oldham Middle School (Crestwood) | West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School (West Lafayette) Brown County Junior High School (Nashville) Fall Creek Valley Middle School (Indianapolis) |
Top 3 High School Schools | duPont Manual High School (Louisville) Highlands High School (Fort Thomas) Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell) | Carmel High School (Carmel) Signature School (Evansville) West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School (West Lafayette) |
Top 3 private high schools | St. Xavier High School (Louisville) Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville) Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington) | Culver Academies (Culver) Park Tudor School (Indianapolis) Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Lexington School (Lexington) Christian Academy of Louisville (Louisville) Sayre School (Lexington) | Traders Point Christian Academy (Whitestown) Heritage Christian School (Indianapolis) The Orchard School (Indianapolis) |
Top 3 School Districts | Fayette County Public Schools Jefferson County Public Schools Oldham County Schools | Carmel Clay Schools West Lafayette Community School Corporation Hamilton Southeastern Schools |
How Much Do Kentucky to Indiana Movers Cost?
Moving 282 miles from Kentucky to Indiana will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,362 | 300 ft3 | $4.54 |
1 Bedroom | $2,021 | 450 ft3 | $4.49 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,331 | 750 ft3 | $4.44 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,830 | 1100 ft3 | $4.39 |
4 Bedrooms | $6,946 | 1600 ft3 | $4.34 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,724 | 1800 ft3 | $4.29 |
Top Kentucky to Indiana Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Kentucky to Indiana movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

MVM Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Indiana