Kentucky to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 17, 2025

Planning a 551 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like job opportunities vs stronger job market), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (federal and colonial revival vs colonial revival and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Bourbon BBQ Pork, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 30% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 13.34% more expensive than in Kentucky
- Moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our top recommended Kentucky to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Kentucky to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania
- Job opportunities
- Limited public transit
- Severe weather
- Rural isolation
- Stronger job market
- Extensive train system
- Milder climate
- Vibrant city life
- Higher expenses
- Busy urban areas
- Traffic congestion
- More reserved culture
- Lower cost of living
- Quiet countryside
- Shorter commutes
- Southern hospitality
Pros of moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania
- Say goodbye to job opportunities and hello to a stronger job market
- Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Pennsylvania with an extensive train system
- Swap the severe weather of Kentucky for a milder climate in Pennsylvania
- Get ready for vibrant city life in Pennsylvania
Cons of moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Kentucky to live with higher expenses in Pennsylvania
- You'll lose out on the pro of quiet countryside and have to settle with the con of busy urban areas
- Time to bid farewell to shorter commutes and get used to traffic congestion in Pennsylvania
- Swap southern hospitality for a more reserved culture
Kentucky vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Chicken | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Bourbon BBQ Pork | Pork and Sauerkraut |
Most popular street food item | Hot Brown Sandwich | Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | Kale Salad | Mushroom Philly |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Bourbon BBQ Pork and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Pretzels to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kale Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Philly of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like 610 Magnolia, Grayson's Tavern, and Ramsi's Cafe on the World. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Reading Terminal Market, and Zahav.
When comparing lifestyles, Pennsylvania shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Kentucky. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Pennsylvania, compared to what you are used to in Kentucky. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Pennsylvania.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Federal and Colonial Revival | Colonial Revival and Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, privacy | Historic charm, proximity to amenities |
- The Federal and Colonial Revival architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
- Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and privacy, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic charm and proximity to amenities.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than Kentucky.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
- Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
- Pennsylvania housing costs are 30% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Kentuckyβs $201,332.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
- Rent in Pennsylvania is 13.34% more expensive than in Kentucky.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Kentucky and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornados, Floods | Snowstorms, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 87Β°F / 66Β°F | 85Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 41Β°F / 23Β°F | 33Β°F / 19Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 49" | 42" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 12" | 38" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kentucky to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Kentucky.
- Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kentucky.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Pennsylvania.
- The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
- The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Pennsylvania
Comparison | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,341 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 87.8 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.8% | 1.5% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education |
Affluence | Modest | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 21% more than in Kentucky
- The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 14% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
- The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 5% in KY
- The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to modest in Kentucky
- The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in Kentucky
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and low in Pennsylvania
Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Pennsylvania
Comparison | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally leans Republican | Swing state with both Republican and Democratic strongholds |
Local Politics | Conservative in rural areas | Mixed; liberal urban centers, conservative rural areas |
Religion | Christianity predominantly, with Southern Baptist influence | Diverse; includes Christianity, Jewish, Muslim, and other faiths |
- Kentucky tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
- Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with both Republican and Democratic strongholds
- Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as diverse and includes Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and other faiths
- Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with Southern Baptist influence
Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Pennsylvania
Comparison | Kentucky | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Kentucky University of Louisville Western Kentucky University | University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State University Carnegie Mellon University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Beechwood Elementary (Fort Mitchell) Anchorage Public School (Anchorage) Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington) | South Fayette Township Elementary School (McDonald) Bradford Heights Elementary School (Downingtown) Franklin Elementary School (Sewickley) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Beechwood Middle School (Fort Mitchell) North Middle School (Henderson) Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville) | Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth) Tredyffrin/Easttown Middle School (Berwyn) Charles F. Patton Middle School (Kennett Square) |
Top 3 High School Schools | DuPont Manual High (Louisville) Highlands High (Fort Thomas) Beechwood High (Fort Mitchell) | Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia) Conestoga High School (Berwyn) Central High School (Philadelphia) |
Top 3 private high schools | Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville) Lexington Catholic High (Lexington) Trinity High School (Louisville) | The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr) The Haverford School (Haverford) Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Lexington School (Lexington) Kentucky Country Day School (Louisville) Sayre School (Lexington) | The Agnes Irwin School (Rosemont) Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia) Friends' Central School (Wynnewood) |
Top 3 School Districts | Fayette County Public Schools (Lexington) Jefferson County Public Schools (Louisville) Boone County Schools (Florence) | Tredyffrin-Easttown School District (Berwyn) Radnor Township School District (Radnor) Lower Merion School District (Ardmore) |
How Much Do Kentucky to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?
Moving 551 miles from Kentucky to Pennsylvania 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: 1-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,515 | 300 ft3 | $5.05 |
1 Bedroom | $2,250 | 450 ft3 | $5.00 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,712 | 750 ft3 | $4.95 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,389 | 1100 ft3 | $4.90 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,759 | 1600 ft3 | $4.85 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,639 | 1800 ft3 | $4.80 |
Top Kentucky to Pennsylvania Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Kentucky to Pennsylvania movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Pennsylvania