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Kentucky to Mississippi Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 594 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Mississippi? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Mississippi across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsher winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, antebellum), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kentucky), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Catfish & BBQ Ribs
  • Mississippi housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Mississippi is 4.57% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Mississippi will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Mississippi movers is From Here to There

Kentucky to Mississippi Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Mississippi

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Harsher winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited beaches
  • High tax rates
ProsMississippi iconMississippi
  • Milder climate
  • More affordable housing
  • Growing job market
  • Coastal access
  • Lower tax burden

Mississippi iconMississippi
  • Fewer forests
  • Less equestrian focus
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Limited local spirits
  • No ski facilities
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Vibrant horse culture
  • Rich history
  • Diverse bourbon selection
  • Ski resorts nearby

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Mississippi

  • Say goodbye to harsher winters and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Mississippi with more affordable housing
  • Swap the fewer job opportunities of Kentucky for a growing job market in Mississippi
  • Get ready for coastal access in Mississippi

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Mississippi

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful landscapes in Kentucky to live with fewer forests in Mississippi
  • You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant horse culture and have to settle for the con of less equestrian focus
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical sites in Mississippi
  • Swap a diverse bourbon selection for limited local spirits

Kentucky vs. Mississippi: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyMississippi
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenCatfish
Most popular meat dishBurgooBBQ Ribs
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichTamales
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian ChiliOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Mayflower Cafe
  • Walnut Hills Restaurant
  • The Ground Zero Blues Club
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 Mississippi, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Catfish of Mississippi. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Mississippi residents know they have tasty BBQ Ribs and Tamales to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Gumbo of Mississippi. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, Wallace Station, and Maker’s Mark Distillery. After the boxes are unpacked in Mississippi, don't wait too long before making your way to Mississippi's acclaimed eateries like The Mayflower Cafe, Walnut Hills Restaurant, and The Ground Zero Blues Club.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Mississippi

ComparisonKentuckyMississippi
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, Antebellum
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 listingGarage, Big YardBig Yard, Porch
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Antebellum architecture typical of Mississippi.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference garages and big yards, Mississippi real estate listings often highlight features like big yards and porches.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Mississippi is less walkable than Kentucky.
  • Mississippi is similarly bike-friendly to Kentucky.
  • Mississippi has less of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Mississippi housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $178,490 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Mississippi have increased by 31% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Mississippi is 4.57% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyMississippi
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 QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 67Β°F91Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44Β°F / 28Β°F57Β°F / 37Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)48"59"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)22"1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Mississippi. Mississippi gets 12% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Mississippi has higher 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 Mississippi.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Mississippi is 4 degrees warmer than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Mississippi. Mississippi receives 11 more inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Mississippi

ComparisonKentuckyMississippi
Avg. Household Income$59,341$52,719
Cost of Living Index87.892.1
State Income Tax5%Up to 5%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.81%
Avg. Sales Tax6%7%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertySignificantHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Mississippi tend to earn about 11% less than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Mississippi will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in MS is up to 5% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Mississippi is modest compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is high in Mississippi compared to a significant level in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and moderate in Mississippi

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Mississippi

ComparisonKentuckyMississippi
Political Make-upModerately conservative, with a mix of Democratic and Republican supportConservatively leaning, with stronger Republican support
Local PoliticsLocal governance can vary significantly, with urban areas tending towards more progressive policiesLocal politics often align with state-level conservatism, though there are pockets of progressive thought
ReligionChristianity is predominant, with a significant Baptist presence. Other denominations and religions also present.Highly religious state with a strong Baptist influence, alongside Methodist and other Christian denominations.
  • Kentucky tends to lean moderately conservative with a mix of Democratic and Republican support in its political climate
  • Mississippi, on the other hand, is often described as conservatively leaning with stronger Republican support
  • Mississippi's religious environment can be described as a highly religious state with a strong Baptist influence alongside Methodist and other Christian denominations
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being predominant with a significant Baptist presence, along with other denominations and religions also present

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Mississippi

ComparisonKentuckyMississippi
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Mississippi
Mississippi State University
University of Southern Mississippi
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsGreathouse/Shryock Traditional
Louisville; Rosa Parks Elementary
Lexington; Ashland Elementary
Lexington
Madison Station Elementary
Madison; Eastside Elementary
Clinton; Oak Park Elementary
Ocean Springs
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle
Louisville; Highlands Latin School
Louisville; Beaumont Middle
Lexington
Northwest Rankin Middle
Flowood; Olde Towne Middle
Ridgeland; Madison Middle
Madison
Top 3 High SchoolsDuPont Manual High
Louisville; Highlands Latin School
Louisville; Lexington Catholic High
Lexington
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science
Columbus; Ocean Springs High
Ocean Springs; Lewisburg High
Olive Branch
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy
Louisville; Lexington Christian Academy
Lexington; Trinity High School
Louisville
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Ridgeland; Jackson Preparatory School
Flowood; Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSayre School
Lexington; Christian Academy of Louisville
Louisville; The Lexington School
Lexington
Jackson Academy
Jackson; Presbyterian Christian School
Hattiesburg; Heritage Academy
Columbus
Top 3 School DistrictsOldham County Schools
Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Fayette County Public Schools
Madison County Schools
Clinton Public School District
Oxford School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Mississippi Movers Cost?

Moving 594 miles from Kentucky to Mississippi will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,539300 ft3$5.13
1 Bedroom$2,286450 ft3$5.08
2 Bedrooms$3,773750 ft3$5.03
3 Bedrooms$5,4791100 ft3$4.98
4 Bedrooms$7,8891600 ft3$4.93
5+ Bedrooms$8,7851800 ft3$4.88

Top Kentucky to Mississippi Movers

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

TOP PICK
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Mississippi

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Move Relocation Services featured image

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
BG Home Movers featured image

BG Home Movers

8.96/10

Louisville to Mississippi

Lexington to Mississippi