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Kentucky to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 2,381 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited public transit vs efficient public transport), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Salmon), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs northwest regional, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Cedar Plank Salmon
  • Washington housing costs are 194% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Washington is 50.60% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Washington will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Washington movers is Seattle Moves & More

Kentucky to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Washington

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Humid summers
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Efficient public transport
  • Diverse tech industry
  • Mild summers
  • Variety of outdoor options

Washington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • More urban isolation
  • Hustle and bustle
  • Rainy weather
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Low cost of living
  • Community spirit
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • Four distinct seasons

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Washington

  • Say goodbye to limited public transit and hello to efficient public transport
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer tech jobs and moving to Washington with a diverse tech industry
  • Swap the humid summers of Kentucky for mild summers in Washington
  • Get ready for a variety of outdoor options in Washington

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Kentucky to live with the high cost of living in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of community spirit and have to settle for the con of more urban isolation
  • Time to bid farewell to a quieter lifestyle and get used to the hustle and bustle in Washington
  • Swap four distinct seasons for rainy weather

Kentucky vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyWashington
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenSalmon
Most popular meat dishBurgooCedar Plank Salmon
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichFish Tacos
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitForaged Mushroom Dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Salumi Artisan Cured Meats
  • Tilikum Place CafΓ©
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 Washington, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Washington residents know they have tasty Cedar Plank Salmon and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Foraged Mushroom Dishes of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Brown Hotel, Highland Fish Market, and Sylvia’s Sweets and Eats. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, and Tilikum Place CafΓ©.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Washington

ComparisonKentuckyWashington
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodNorthwest Regional, 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, privacyEco-friendly features, views
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Regional and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly characteristics and views.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Washington housing costs are 194% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Washington is 50.60% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyWashington
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, FloodsEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F/66Β°F75Β°F/55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)43Β°F/23Β°F47Β°F/36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4838 (varies greatly by region)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1120 (varies greatly by region)
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kentucky to Washington. Washington gets 22% fewer sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Washington has higher 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 earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 12 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows in Washington are 13 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 10 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Washington

ComparisonKentuckyWashington
Avg. Household Income$59,341$91,306
Cost of Living Index87.8104.1
State Income Tax5%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.86%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax6%9.23%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowHigh
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 54% more than those in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Washington is 19% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is low in Washington compared to moderate poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kentucky and high in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Washington

ComparisonKentuckyWashington
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsStrong local governance, with a focus on community valuesProgressive policies with emphasis on environmental and social justice issues
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly Christian <a href="https://www.kybaptist.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kentucky Baptist Convention</a>Less religious, diverse faiths with significant numbers of unaffiliated individuals
  • Kentucky tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as less religious and diverse, with significant numbers of unaffiliated individuals
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian <a href="https://www.kybaptist.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kentucky Baptist Convention</a>

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Washington

ComparisonKentuckyWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPikeville Elementary
Pikeville
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional
Louisville
Mann Elementary
Union
Cascade Ridge Elementary
Issaquah
Bennett Elementary
Bellevue
Sunny Hills Elementary
Sammamish
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle
Louisville
Highland Middle
Fort Thomas
North Oldham Middle
Goshen
International School
Bellevue
Pacific Cascade Middle
Issaquah
Challenge Elementary
Mount Vernon
Top 3 High SchoolsDuPont Manual High
Louisville
Highlands High
Fort Thomas
Beechwood High
Fort Mitchell
International School
Bellevue
Liberty High
Renton
Bellevue High
Bellevue
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy
Louisville
St. Xavier High School
Louisville
Lexington Catholic High
Lexington
Lakeside School
Seattle
The Overlake School
Redmond
Seattle Preparatory School
Seattle
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School
Lexington
Kentucky Country Day
Louisville
Sayre School
Lexington
Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland
The Bear Creek School
Redmond
Seattle Academy
Seattle
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Boone County Schools
Lake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Issaquah School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,381 miles from Kentucky to Washington will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,552300 ft3$8.51
1 Bedroom$3,806450 ft3$8.46
2 Bedrooms$6,306750 ft3$8.41
3 Bedrooms$9,1941100 ft3$8.36
4 Bedrooms$13,2921600 ft3$8.31
5+ Bedrooms$14,8641800 ft3$8.26

Top Kentucky to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Washington

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

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

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details