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Kentucky to Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 422 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited job opportunities vs diverse job market), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Ham), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Ham & Smithfield Ham
  • Virginia housing costs are 92% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Virginia is 39.81% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Virginia movers is ARS Movers

Kentucky to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Virginia

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Higher poverty rate
  • Less national recognition
  • Harsh winters
ProsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Diverse job market
  • Improved living standards
  • Rich historical landmarks
  • Milder winters

Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busier urban lifestyle
  • Limited local spirits
  • Urban sprawl
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Low cost of living
  • Quieter rural life
  • Famous for bourbon
  • Lush countryside

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Virginia

  • Say goodbye to limited job opportunities and hello to a diverse job market
  • Look forward to moving away from a higher poverty rate and moving to Virginia with improved living standards
  • Swap the lesser national recognition of Kentucky for rich historical landmarks in Virginia
  • Get ready for milder winters in Virginia

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Kentucky to live with a higher cost of living in Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter rural life and have to settle with the con of a busier urban lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to being famous for bourbon and get used to limited local spirits in Virginia
  • Swap lush countryside for urban sprawl

Kentucky vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyVirginia
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenHam
Most popular meat dishBurgooSmithfield Ham
Most popular street food itemHot Brown sandwichSoft Shell Crab sandwich
Most popular vegan foodSeitan BBQChickpea Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Lady and Sons
  • Miguel's Pizza
  • Jack Fry's
  • The Shack
  • Leaping Lizard CafΓ©
  • La Taqueria
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 Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown sandwich, Virginia residents know they have tasty Smithfield Ham and Soft Shell Crab sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chickpea Salad of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Lady and Sons, Miguel's Pizza, and Jack Fry's. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Shack, Leaping Lizard CafΓ©, and La Taqueria.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Virginia

ComparisonKentuckyVirginia
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanColonial, Cape Cod
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 listingLush landscapes, proximity to parksAccess to amenities, historical sites
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Virginia.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference lush landscapes and proximity to parks, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like access to amenities and historical sites.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Virginia is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Virginia has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Virginia housing costs are 92% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Virginia is 39.81% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyVirginia
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, stormsHurricanes, storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F85Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 23Β°F47Β°F / 27Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)48"44"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)22"20"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Virginia. Virginia gets 5% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Virginia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and storms in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and storms in Virginia.
  • The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Virginia. Virginia receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Virginia

ComparisonKentuckyVirginia
Avg. Household Income$59,341$85,873
Cost of Living Index87.896.6
State Income Tax5%2% to 5.75%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%0.80%
Avg. Sales Tax6%5.3%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureDefense, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNotableLower
HomelessnessStableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 45% more than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Virginia will be 10% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in VA is 2% to 5.75% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Virginia is high compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is lower in Virginia compared to notable poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is stable in Kentucky and low in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Virginia

ComparisonKentuckyVirginia
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanSwing state, recently trending Democratic
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areasModerately liberal in urban areas
ReligionPredominantly Christian, with a significant Baptist presence <a href="https://www.kybaptist.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kentucky Baptist Convention</a>Diverse religious landscape, with a strong presence of Protestant, Catholic, and non-affiliated individuals
  • Kentucky tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, recently trending Democratic
  • Virginia's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape, with a strong presence of Protestant, Catholic, and non-affiliated individuals
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian, with a significant Baptist presence <a href="https://www.kybaptist.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kentucky Baptist Convention</a>

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Virginia

ComparisonKentuckyVirginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
Lexington; University of Louisville
Louisville; Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green
University of Virginia
Charlottesville; Virginia Tech
Blacksburg; William & Mary
Williamsburg
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRosa Parks Elementary
Lexington; Stopher Elementary
Louisville; Brandeis Elementary
Louisville
Forest Edge Elementary
Reston; Arlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Lucketts Elementary
Leesburg
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle School
Louisville; Winburn Middle School
Lexington; Highlands Middle School
Fort Thomas
Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Frost Middle School
Fairfax; Henley Middle School
Crozet
Top 3 High SchoolsDuPont Manual High
Louisville; Gatton Academy
Bowling Green; Highlands High
Fort Thomas
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High
McLean; Langley High
McLean
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy
Louisville; St. Xavier High School
Louisville; Lexington Catholic High
Lexington
Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; The Potomac School
McLean; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School
Lexington; Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
The Potomac School
McLean; St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Alexandria; Flint Hill School
Oakton
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools
Lexington; Jefferson County Public Schools
Louisville; Boone County Schools
Florence
Loudoun County Public Schools
Ashburn; Fairfax County Public Schools
Falls Church; Arlington Public Schools
Arlington

How Much Do Kentucky to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 422 miles from Kentucky to Virginia 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,442300 ft3$4.81
1 Bedroom$2,140450 ft3$4.76
2 Bedrooms$3,529750 ft3$4.71
3 Bedrooms$5,1211100 ft3$4.66
4 Bedrooms$7,3691600 ft3$4.61
5+ Bedrooms$8,2001800 ft3$4.56

Top Kentucky to Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Virginia

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details