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Kentucky to Missouri Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 466 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Missouri? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Missouri across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job opportunities vs thriving job market), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs St. Louis-style Pizza), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs ranch, tudor), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kentucky), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Hot Brown, but get your taste buds ready for St. Louis-style Pizza & St. Louis Ribs
  • Missouri housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Missouri is 1.95% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Missouri will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Missouri movers is Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Kentucky to Missouri Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Missouri

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Higher state taxes
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Harsh winters
  • Poor public transport
ProsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Thriving job market
  • Lower state taxes
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Milder winters
  • Better public transport

Missouri iconMissouri
  • Urban sprawl
  • Higher living costs
  • Busy cities
  • Less community feel
  • Adjustment period
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Charming countryside
  • Lower living costs
  • Smaller towns
  • Friendly communities
  • Familiar surroundings

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Missouri

  • Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a thriving job market
  • Look forward to moving away from higher state taxes and moving to Missouri with lower state taxes
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Kentucky for a rich cultural scene in Missouri
  • Get ready for milder winters in Missouri

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Missouri

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the charming countryside in Kentucky to live with urban sprawl in Missouri
  • You'll lose out on the pro of lower living costs and have to settle for the con of higher living costs
  • Time to bid farewell to smaller towns and get used to busy cities in Missouri
  • Swap friendly communities for a less community feel

Kentucky vs. Missouri: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyMissouri
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenSt. Louis-style Pizza
Most popular meat dishHot BrownSt. Louis Ribs
Most popular street food itemBurgooToasted Ravioli
Most popular vegan foodKentucky Bibb SaladJackfruit BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pi Pizzeria
  • Sugarfire Smoke House
  • Pappy's Smokehouse
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 Missouri, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious St. Louis-style Pizza of Missouri. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Hot Brown and sumptuous Burgoo, Missouri residents know they have tasty St. Louis Ribs and Toasted Ravioli 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 Jackfruit BBQ of Missouri. 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 Holly Hill Inn. After the boxes are unpacked in Missouri, don't wait too long before making your way to Missouri's acclaimed eateries like Pi Pizzeria, Sugarfire Smoke House, and Pappy's Smokehouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Missouri

ComparisonKentuckyMissouri
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanRanch, Tudor
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 listingβ€œLarge yard”, β€œspacious roomsβ€β€œModern amenities”, β€œopen floor plans”
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Tudor architecture typical of Missouri.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference 'large yards' and 'spacious rooms', Missouri real estate listings often highlight features like 'modern amenities' and 'open floor plans'.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Missouri is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Missouri is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Missouri has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Missouri housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $243,216 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Missouri have increased by 49% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Missouri is 1.95% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyMissouri
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 DisastersFloods, TornadoesTornadoes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F89Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 23Β°F40Β°F / 21Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)11"18"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Missouri. Missouri gets 5% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Missouri has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and tornadoes in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Missouri.
  • The average summer high temperature in Missouri is 2 degrees warmer than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Missouri. Missouri receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Missouri

ComparisonKentuckyMissouri
Avg. Household Income$59,341$64,811
Cost of Living Index87.891.8
State Income Tax5%5.4%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.97%
Avg. Sales Tax6%8.3%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureHealthcare, Retail, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNoticeableSignificant
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Missouri tend to earn about 9% more than those in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Missouri will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in MO is 5.4% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Missouri is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is significant in Missouri compared to noticeable poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and moderate in Missouri

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Missouri

ComparisonKentuckyMissouri
Political Make-upTraditionally leans Republican, with rural areas showing strong GOP supportSwing state tendencies, with urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City leaning Democratic
Local PoliticsLocal governance often mirrors state-level Republican dominanceMixed local governance, with Democratic leadership in major cities
ReligionHighly religious state, with a strong evangelical Christian presenceDiverse religious landscape, but with a significant evangelical Christian constituency
  • Kentucky tends to lean traditionally Republican, with rural areas showing strong GOP support in its political climate
  • Missouri, on the other hand, is often described as having swing state tendencies, with urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City leaning Democratic
  • Missouri's religious environment can be described as having a diverse religious landscape, but with a significant evangelical Christian constituency
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as those of a highly religious state, with a strong evangelical Christian presence

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Missouri

ComparisonKentuckyMissouri
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Missouri
Missouri State University
Washington University in St. Louis
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPoe Elementary (Louisville)
Glendover Elementary (Lexington)
Stopher Elementary (Louisville)
New City School (St. Louis)
Wilson's Creek 5-6 School (Springfield)
Conway Elementary (Ladue)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle (Lexington)
Crosby Middle (Louisville)
Ladue Middle (Ladue)
Wydown Middle (Clayton)
Wildwood Middle (Wildwood)
Top 3 High School SchoolsDuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High (Fort Mitchell)
Clayton High (Clayton)
Ladue Horton Watkins High (Ladue)
Parkway West High (Ballwin)
Top 3 private high schoolsSt. Xavier High (Louisville)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
Trinity High (Louisville)
John Burroughs School (St. Louis)
Thomas Jefferson School (St. Louis)
Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (St. Louis)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Sayre School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Lexington Christian Academy (Lexington)
MICDS - Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (St. Louis)
The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
The Barstow School (Kansas City)
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Bowling Green Independent School District
Clayton School District
Kirkwood R-VII School District
Ladue School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Missouri Movers Cost?

Moving 466 miles from Kentucky to Missouri 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2.5-7.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,467300 ft3$4.89
1 Bedroom$2,178450 ft3$4.84
2 Bedrooms$3,592750 ft3$4.79
3 Bedrooms$5,2131100 ft3$4.74
4 Bedrooms$7,5021600 ft3$4.69
5+ Bedrooms$8,3501800 ft3$4.64

Top Kentucky to Missouri Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Missouri

9.62/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details