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Kentucky to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 470 mile interstate move from Kentucky to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Hot Brown, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern NC Barbecue
  • North Carolina housing costs are 64% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in North Carolina is 32.31% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to North Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to North Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC

Kentucky to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to North Carolina

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited coastline
  • Small city options
  • Less diverse food scene
  • Fewer career opportunities
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Milder climate
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Vibrant urban life
  • Rich culinary variety
  • Growing job market

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Higher cost of living
  • Increased congestion
  • Expensive real estate
  • Kentucky culture nostalgia
  • Fewer similar events
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Friendly communities
  • Lower traffic congestion
  • Affordable housing
  • Local traditions
  • Horse racing events

Pros of moving from Kentucky to North Carolina

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited coastline and moving to North Carolina with beautiful beaches
  • Swap the small city options of Kentucky for vibrant urban life in North Carolina
  • Get ready for rich culinary variety in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Kentucky to North Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly communities in Kentucky to live with a higher cost of living in North Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of lower traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of increased congestion
  • Time to bid farewell to affordable housing and get used to expensive real estate in North Carolina
  • Swap local traditions for Kentucky culture nostalgia

Kentucky vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishHot BrownEastern NC Barbecue
Most popular street food itemBurgooCarolina-style Hot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodKentucky Bibb SaladSmoked BBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Ramsey's Diner
  • Green River Grill
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 North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Hot Brown and sumptuous Burgoo, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern NC Barbecue and Carolina-style Hot Dogs 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 Smoked BBQ Jackfruit of North Carolina. 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 Green River Grill. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Chef and the Farmer, and Buxton Hall Barbecue.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and North Carolina

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchColonial, Craftsman
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, PrivacyCommunity features, Amenities
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of North Carolina.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like community amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. North Carolina is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. North Carolina is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • North Carolina has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • North Carolina housing costs are 64% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in North Carolina is 32.31% more expensive than in Kentucky.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Kentucky and North Carolina

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Carolina
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, Floods, Ice stormsHurricanes, Floods, Tornados
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F/66Β°F88Β°F/67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44Β°F/28Β°F50Β°F/30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)48"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)22"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 5% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • North Carolina has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes, floods, and ice storms in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes in North Carolina.
  • The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 1 degree warmer than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and North Carolina

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$59,341$67,481
Cost of Living Index87.895.85
State Income Tax5%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.77%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6.75%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareTechnology, Banking, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 14% more than those in Kentucky
  • The COLI in North Carolina will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to moderate in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to high in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Kentucky and low in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. North Carolina

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Carolina
Political Make-upLean ConservativeSwing State
Local PoliticsRepublican Dominance in Rural AreasMixed Political Leanings with Urban Liberal Pockets
ReligionChristian Majority (Evangelical Protestant)Christian Majority (Evangelical Protestant, with significant Catholic presence)
  • Kentucky tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • North Carolina's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority (Evangelical Protestant, with a significant Catholic presence)
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority (Evangelical Protestant)

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to North Carolina

ComparisonKentuckyNorth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of North Carolina
Duke University
North Carolina State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPikeland Community School (Pikeville)
Brandeis Elementary School (Louisville)
Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington)
Endhaven Elementary School (Charlotte)
Davis Drive Elementary School (Cary)
Glenn Elementary School (Durham)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDupont Manual High School (Louisville)
Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
Highlands Middle School (Fort Thomas)
Phillips Middle School (Chapel Hill)
Carnage Middle School (Raleigh)
Jay M. Robinson Middle School (Charlotte)
Top 3 High SchoolsDupont Manual High School (Louisville)
Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Pikeville Independent Schools
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

How Much Do Kentucky to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 470 miles from Kentucky to North Carolina 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,469300 ft3$4.90
1 Bedroom$2,181450 ft3$4.85
2 Bedrooms$3,597750 ft3$4.80
3 Bedrooms$5,2211100 ft3$4.75
4 Bedrooms$7,5141600 ft3$4.70
5+ Bedrooms$8,3641800 ft3$4.65

Top Kentucky to North Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to North Carolina

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details