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Kentucky to Indiana Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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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

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Higher state taxes
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Flood-prone areas
ProsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Lower state taxes
  • Reliable public transit
  • Growing tech industry
  • Less flood risk

Indiana iconIndiana
  • Harsher winters
  • Fewer such events
  • Less known for bourbon
  • Less prevalent charm
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyIndiana
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishBurgooSugar Cream Pie
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichCorn Dogs
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan BLT
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Brown Hotel
  • 610 Magnolia
  • Holly Hill Inn
  • Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • The LOMBARDI
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 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

ComparisonKentuckyIndiana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, Ranch
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, GaragesOpen 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 Kentucky’s $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

ComparisonKentuckyIndiana
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 DisastersTornados, FloodsTornados, Harsh Winters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F85Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 23Β°F35Β°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

ComparisonKentuckyIndiana
Avg. Household Income$59,341$66,785
Cost of Living Index87.892.95
State Income Tax5%3.23%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertySignificantNoticeable
HomelessnessManageableManageable
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyIndiana
Political Make-upTraditionally leans conservativeMixed but has conservative leanings
Local PoliticsCounties can vary significantly in political leaningsUrban areas lean more liberal, rural areas are more conservative
ReligionChristianity dominates, with Southern Baptist Convention being significantChristianity 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

ComparisonKentuckyIndiana
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 SchoolsBrandies 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 SchoolsBarret 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 SchoolsduPont 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 schoolsSt. 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 schoolsThe 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 DistrictsFayette 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,362300 ft3$4.54
1 Bedroom$2,021450 ft3$4.49
2 Bedrooms$3,331750 ft3$4.44
3 Bedrooms$4,8301100 ft3$4.39
4 Bedrooms$6,9461600 ft3$4.34
5+ Bedrooms$7,7241800 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.

TOP PICK
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Indiana

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.13/10
ExceptionalView details