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Kentucky to Montana Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 1,711 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs cool, dry summers), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Bison), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs ranch, log cabin), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Montana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Hot Brown, but get your taste buds ready for Bison & Elk Steak
  • Montana housing costs are 127% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Montana is 7.65% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Montana will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Montana movers is From Here to There

Kentucky to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Montana

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Limited outdoor recreation
  • High pollen count
ProsMontana iconMontana
  • Cool, dry summers
  • Abundant outdoor activities
  • Cleaner air quality

Montana iconMontana
  • Isolated rural areas
  • Harsh winter conditions
  • Higher cost of living
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Rich cultural history
  • Southern hospitality
  • Affordable cost of living

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Montana

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to cool, dry summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited outdoor recreation and moving to Montana with abundant outdoor activities
  • Swap the high pollen count of Kentucky for cleaner air quality in Montana

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Montana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich cultural history in Kentucky to live with isolated rural areas in Montana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of southern hospitality and have to settle for the con of harsh winter conditions
  • Time to bid farewell to an affordable cost of living and get used to a higher cost of living in Montana

Kentucky vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyMontana
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenBison
Most popular meat dishHot BrownElk Steak
Most popular street food itemBurgooHuckleberry Treats
Most popular vegan foodVegan BarbecueLentil Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Holly Hill Inn
  • Mama Dip's
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Pearl CafΓ©
  • Casa Blanca
  • Whitefish Lake Restaurant
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 Montana, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Bison of Montana. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Hot Brown and sumptuous Burgoo, Montana residents know they have tasty Elk Steak and Huckleberry Treats to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Barbecue they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Burgers of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like Holly Hill Inn, Mama Dip's, and The Brown Hotel. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Pearl CafΓ©, Casa Blanca, and Whitefish Lake Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Montana

ComparisonKentuckyMontana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanRanch, Log Cabin
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, BasementsMountain views, Proximity to parks
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Log Cabin architecture typical of Montana.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and basements, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to parks.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Montana is less walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Montana is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Montana has less of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Montana housing costs are 127% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased 71% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Montana is 7.65% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyMontana
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, floodsWildfires, floods
Air QualityGood-ModerateGood-Varies with wildfires
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F/66Β°F82Β°F/45Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44Β°F/28Β°F34Β°F/17Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49"15"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)11"90"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Montana. Montana gets 5% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Montana has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in Montana.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 34 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Montana

ComparisonKentuckyMontana
Avg. Household Income$59,341$67,631
Cost of Living Index87.899.4
State Income Tax5%6.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax6%0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureAgriculture, Tourism, Mining
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighAverage
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 14% more than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Montana will be 13% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in MT is 6.9% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Montana is moderate compared to moderate in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is average in Montana compared to high in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Kentucky and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Montana

ComparisonKentuckyMontana
Political Make-upLeans Republican, with rural areas strongly conservative and urban areas more liberalLeans Republican, particularly strong in rural areas, with some liberal pockets in cities like Missoula
Local PoliticsMix of local governance styles, from urban Democratic leadership in Louisville to conservative rural areasConservative local governance, with some progressive local politics in towns like Bozeman
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly Christian with a strong Baptist presenceModerately religious, with a significant Christian population, including Catholics and Lutherans
  • Kentucky tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Montana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican, particularly strong in rural areas with some liberal pockets in cities like Missoula
  • Montana's religious environment can be described as moderately religious, with a significant Christian population including Catholics and Lutherans
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious, predominantly Christian with a strong Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Montana

ComparisonKentuckyMontana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Montana
Montana State University
Montana Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPikeville Elementary
Pikeville; Brandeis Elementary
Louisville; Ashland Elementary
Lexington
Hawthorne Elementary
Bozeman; Hellgate Elementary
Missoula; Chief Joseph Elementary
Great Falls
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWinburn Middle School
Lexington; Highlands Middle School
Fort Thomas; Bowling Green Junior High
Bowling Green
Sacajawea Middle School
Bozeman; Washington Middle School
Missoula; East Middle School
Great Falls
Top 3 High SchoolsDuPont Manual High
Louisville; Highlands High
Fort Thomas; Bowling Green High
Bowling Green
Bozeman High School
Bozeman; Hellgate High School
Missoula; Great Falls High
Great Falls
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy
Louisville; Lexington Catholic High
Lexington; St. Xavier High
Louisville
Mount Ellis Academy
Bozeman; Missoula International School
Missoula; Great Falls Central Catholic
Great Falls
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School
Lexington; Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
Petra Academy
Bozeman; Valley Christian School
Missoula; Foothills Community Christian School
Great Falls
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools; Jefferson County Public Schools; Bowling Green Independent School DistrictBozeman School District; Billings School District 2; Missoula County Public Schools

How Much Do Kentucky to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,711 miles from Kentucky to Montana will typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,172300 ft3$7.24
1 Bedroom$3,236450 ft3$7.19
2 Bedrooms$5,356750 ft3$7.14
3 Bedrooms$7,8011100 ft3$7.09
4 Bedrooms$11,2671600 ft3$7.04
5+ Bedrooms$12,5851800 ft3$6.99

Top Kentucky to Montana Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Kentucky to Montana 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 Montana

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 Montana

Lexington to Montana