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Kentucky to Oregon Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 2,241 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Marionberry Pie), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs northwest, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Bourbon BBQ Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Marionberry Pie & Dungeness Crab
  • Oregon housing costs are 147% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Oregon is 34.86% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Oregon will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Oregon movers is Pacific Northwest Moving

Kentucky to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Oregon

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • High humidity
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer career opportunities
  • Severe storms
  • Cultural isolation
ProsOregon iconOregon
  • Milder climate
  • Extensive transit options
  • Growing tech industry
  • More stable weather
  • Diverse cultural scene

Oregon iconOregon
  • Higher living expenses
  • More modern cities
  • More transient population
  • Traffic congestion
  • Fast-paced urban life
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Low cost of living
  • Rich history
  • Strong community ties
  • Less traffic
  • Charming small towns

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Oregon

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Oregon with extensive transit options
  • Swap the fewer career opportunities of Kentucky for a growing tech industry in Oregon
  • Get ready for more stable weather in Oregon

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Oregon

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Kentucky to live with higher living expenses in Oregon
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich history and have to settle for the con of more modern cities
  • Time to bid farewell to strong community ties and get used to a more transient population in Oregon
  • Swap less traffic for traffic congestion

Kentucky vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyOregon
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenMarionberry Pie
Most popular meat dishBourbon BBQ RibsDungeness Crab
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichFood Trucks (Various)
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian Hot BrownTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Brown Hotel
  • Mama Louisa's
  • Bluegrass Hospitality Group
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 Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Bourbon BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Oregon residents know they have tasty Dungeness Crab and Food Trucks (Various) to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Hot Brown they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, Mama Louisa's, and Bluegrass Hospitality Group. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Pok Pok, Voodoo Doughnut, and Le Pigeon.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Oregon

ComparisonKentuckyOregon
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanNorthwest, 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 listingBig yards, privacyEco-friendly materials, access to nature
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Northwest and Craftsman architecture typical of Oregon.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference big yards and privacy, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly materials and access to nature.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Oregon is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Oregon is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Oregon has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Oregon housing costs are 147% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Oregon is 34.86% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyOregon
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 DisastersStorms, TornadoesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F81Β°F / 51Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)43Β°F / 23Β°F48Β°F / 36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"36" (Western Oregon)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)10"8" (Western Oregon)
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kentucky to Oregon. Oregon gets 26% fewer sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Oregon has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible storms and tornadoes in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 6 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Oregon. Oregon receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Oregon

ComparisonKentuckyOregon
Avg. Household Income$59,341$75,657
Cost of Living Index87.8110.55
State Income Tax5%9.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%1.07%
Avg. Sales Tax6%0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailTechnology, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceModestModerate
PovertyPressingNoticeable
HomelessnessManageableConsiderable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 27% more than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Oregon will be 26% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in OR is 9.9% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Oregon is moderate compared to modest in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is noticeable in Oregon compared to pressing in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Kentucky and considerable in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Oregon

ComparisonKentuckyOregon
Political Make-upConservative, tends RepublicanLiberal, leans Democratic
Local PoliticsStrongly influenced by coal and agriculture industriesHigh emphasis on environmental and urban policies
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a significant Baptist presence. <a href="https://www.kybaptist.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kentucky Baptist Convention</a>Less religiously affiliated overall, diverse religious communities including Buddhism and Judaism. Oregon Buddhist Temple, Oregon Jewish Community Foundation
  • Kentucky tends to lean conservative and tends Republican in its political climate
  • Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as liberal and leans Democratic
  • Oregon's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated overall with diverse religious communities including Buddhism and Judaism and the Oregon Buddhist Temple and Oregon Jewish Community Foundation
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant Baptist presence and the Kentucky Baptist Convention

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Oregon

ComparisonKentuckyOregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Portland State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPikeville Elementary School - Pikeville
Anchorage Public School - Anchorage
Rosa Parks Elementary - Lexington
Ainsworth Elementary - Portland
Findley Elementary - Beaverton
Jacob Wismer Elementary - Beaverton
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrett Traditional Middle School - Louisville
Beaumont Middle School - Lexington
Bowling Green Junior High - Bowling Green
Stoller Middle School - Portland
Lake Oswego Junior High - Lake Oswego
Conestoga Middle School - Beaverton
Top 3 High School SchoolsDuPont Manual High - Louisville
Glasgow High School - Glasgow
Beechwood High School - Fort Mitchell
International School of Beaverton - Beaverton
School of Science & Technology - Beaverton
Corbett School - Corbett
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Lexington School - Lexington
Louisville Collegiate School - Louisville
St. Xavier High School - Louisville
Catlin Gabel School - Portland
Oregon Episcopal School - Portland
Jesuit High School - Portland
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School - Lexington
Louisville Collegiate School - Louisville
Sayre School - Lexington
Riverdale Grade School - Portland
Valley Catholic School - Beaverton
Delphian School - Sheridan
Top 3 School DistrictsFort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Bowling Green Independent School District
Lake Oswego School District
Riverdale School District
Beaverton School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 2,241 miles from Kentucky to Oregon will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,473300 ft3$8.24
1 Bedroom$3,687450 ft3$8.19
2 Bedrooms$6,107750 ft3$8.14
3 Bedrooms$8,9031100 ft3$8.09
4 Bedrooms$12,8691600 ft3$8.04
5+ Bedrooms$14,3881800 ft3$7.99

Top Kentucky to Oregon Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pacific Northwest Moving featured image

Pacific Northwest Moving

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Oregon

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Relocation Services featured image

Elite Relocation Services

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details