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Kentucky to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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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

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Job opportunities
  • Limited public transit
  • Severe weather
  • Rural isolation
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Stronger job market
  • Extensive train system
  • Milder climate
  • Vibrant city life

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher expenses
  • Busy urban areas
  • Traffic congestion
  • More reserved culture
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishBourbon BBQ PorkPork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichPretzels
Most popular vegan foodKale SaladMushroom Philly
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • 610 Magnolia
  • Grayson's Tavern
  • Ramsi's Cafe on the World
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
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 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

ComparisonKentuckyPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleFederal and Colonial RevivalColonial Revival and Victorian
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 listingSpacious yards, privacyHistoric 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 Kentucky’s $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

ComparisonKentuckyPennsylvania
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, FloodsSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F85Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 23Β°F33Β°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

ComparisonKentuckyPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$59,341$71,798
Cost of Living Index87.899.7
State Income Tax5%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.8%1.5%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareHealthcare, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModestModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • 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

ComparisonKentuckyPennsylvania
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanSwing state with both Republican and Democratic strongholds
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areasMixed; liberal urban centers, conservative rural areas
ReligionChristianity predominantly, with Southern Baptist influenceDiverse; 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

ComparisonKentuckyPennsylvania
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 SchoolsBeechwood 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 SchoolsBeechwood 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 SchoolsDuPont 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 schoolsSacred 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 schoolsThe 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 DistrictsFayette 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,515300 ft3$5.05
1 Bedroom$2,250450 ft3$5.00
2 Bedrooms$3,712750 ft3$4.95
3 Bedrooms$5,3891100 ft3$4.90
4 Bedrooms$7,7591600 ft3$4.85
5+ Bedrooms$8,6391800 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.

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details