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Kentucky to Texas Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 1,116 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Texas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Texas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Brisket), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, spanish), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Texas), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Hot Brown, but get your taste buds ready for Brisket & Texas BBQ Ribs
  • Texas housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Texas is 29.31% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Texas will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Texas movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Kentucky to Texas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Texas

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited tech jobs
  • Higher state taxes
  • Few big cities
  • Moderate restaurant options
ProsTexas iconTexas
  • Milder winters
  • Abundant tech opportunities
  • No state income tax
  • More metropolitan areas
  • Vibrant food scene

Texas iconTexas
  • Less historical depth
  • Flat terrain
  • More traffic
  • Higher real estate prices
  • Hotter temperatures
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Rich cultural history
  • Serene landscapes
  • Friendly communities
  • Affordable living cost
  • Distinct seasons

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Texas

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from limited tech jobs and moving to Texas with abundant tech opportunities
  • Swap the higher state taxes of Kentucky for no state income tax in Texas
  • Get ready for more metropolitan areas in Texas

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Texas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich cultural history in Kentucky to live with less historical depth in Texas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of serene landscapes and have to settle for the con of flat terrain
  • Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to more traffic in Texas
  • Swap affordable living costs for higher real estate prices

Kentucky vs. Texas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyTexas
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenBrisket
Most popular meat dishHot BrownTexas BBQ Ribs
Most popular street food itemBurgooTacos
Most popular vegan foodKentucky Bibb SaladTex-Mex Vegan Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Ramsey's Diner
  • Mammoth Cave Hotel Dining
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 Texas, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Brisket of Texas. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Hot Brown and sumptuous Burgoo, Texas residents know they have tasty Texas BBQ Ribs and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kentucky Bibb Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tex-Mex Vegan Bowl of Texas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, Ramsey's Diner, and Mammoth Cave Hotel Dining. After the boxes are unpacked in Texas, don't wait too long before making your way to Texas' acclaimed eateries like Franklin Barbecue, CafΓ© Modern, and La Fonda on Main.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Texas

ComparisonKentuckyTexas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, 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 yards, historic charmModern amenities, energy efficiency
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Spanish architecture typical of Texas.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings, which commonly reference large yards and historic charm, Texas real estate listings often highlight features like modern amenities and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Texas is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Texas is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Texas has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Texas housing costs are 51% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $304,027 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Texas have increased by 45% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Texas is 29.31% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyTexas
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, FloodsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F94Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)43Β°F / 23Β°F60Β°F / 38Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)45"36"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)11"1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Texas. Texas gets 20% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Texas 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 tornadoes in Texas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Texas is 7 degrees warmer than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Texas. Texas receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Texas

ComparisonKentuckyTexas
Avg. Household Income$59,341$72,284
Cost of Living Index87.891.1
State Income Tax5%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%1.80%
Avg. Sales Tax6%8.25%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureTechnology, Energy, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate to High
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Texas tend to earn about 22% more than those in Kentucky.
  • The COLI in Texas will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky.
  • Hooray, moving to TX means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Texas is moderate to high compared to moderate in Kentucky.
  • The poverty level is lower in Texas compared to moderate in Kentucky.
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Kentucky and moderate in Texas.

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Texas

ComparisonKentuckyTexas
Political Make-upMixed; leans Republican in federal electionsTraditionally Republican, but becoming more competitive
Local PoliticsVaries by county; urban areas more DemocraticUrban areas lean Democratic, rural areas strongly Republican
ReligionChristian majority, with a strong evangelical presenceChristian majority, diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Kentucky tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in federal elections in its political climate
  • Texas, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally Republican but becoming more competitive
  • Texas's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a strong evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Texas

ComparisonKentuckyTexas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Texas at Austin
Texas A&M University
University of Houston
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBeechwood Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional (Louisville)
Pikeville Elementary (Pikeville)
Carroll Elementary (Southlake)
Old Union Elementary (Southlake)
William B Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted (Dallas)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBeechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
North Oldham Middle School (Goshen)
Coppell Middle East (Coppell)
William B Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted (Dallas)
Canyon Ridge Middle School (Austin)
Top 3 High SchoolsDupont Manual High (Louisville)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
North Oldham High School (Goshen)
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (Austin)
School for the Talented and Gifted (Dallas)
Westlake High School (Austin)
Top 3 private high schoolsLouisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington)
St. Mark's School of Texas (Dallas)
The Hockaday School (Dallas)
Greenhill School (Addison)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School (Lexington)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
St. Stephen's Episcopal School (Austin)
The John Cooper School (The Woodlands)
Kinkaid School (Houston)
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Pikeville Independent Schools
Eanes Independent School District
Coppell ISD
Southlake Carroll Independent School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Texas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,116 miles from Kentucky to Texas will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,835300 ft3$6.12
1 Bedroom$2,730450 ft3$6.07
2 Bedrooms$4,513750 ft3$6.02
3 Bedrooms$6,5641100 ft3$5.97
4 Bedrooms$9,4681600 ft3$5.92
5+ Bedrooms$10,5611800 ft3$5.87

Top Kentucky to Texas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery featured image

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Texas

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC featured image

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details