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Kentucky to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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Planning a 562 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Hot Brown, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 4.50% more affordable than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishHot BrownBratwurst
Most popular street food itemBurgooFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodKentucky Tofu ScrambleBeer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • KFC
  • Mammy's Kitchen
  • Proof on Main
  • Culver's
  • Mader's
  • Frankie's Diner
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 Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Hot Brown and sumptuous Burgoo, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kentucky Tofu Scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beer Cheese Soup (Vegan Version) of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like KFC, Mammy's Kitchen, and Proof on Main. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Culver's, Mader's, and Frankie's Diner.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Wisconsin

ComparisonKentuckyWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, Bungalow
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, garagesEnergy efficiency, proximity to lakes
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and proximity to lakes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 4.50% more affordable than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyWisconsin
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 DisastersFloods, TornadoesSnowstorms, Cold waves
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44Β°F / 28Β°F28Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49"32"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)12"48"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kentucky to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 4% fewer sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and tornadoes in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 5 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows in Wisconsin are 15 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Wisconsin

ComparisonKentuckyWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$59,341$70,996
Cost of Living Index87.895.65
State Income Tax5%7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.86%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6%5%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareManufacturing, Healthcare, Information Technology
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyAbove AverageLower
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 20% more than those in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Wisconsin will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in WI is 7.65% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is higher compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is lower in Wisconsin compared to above average in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Kentucky and moderate in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonKentuckyWisconsin
Political Make-upLean conservativeSwing state
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in many areasMix of Republican and Democratic leadership
ReligionEvangelical Protestant majorityMixed, with a significant Catholic presence
  • Kentucky tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as mixed, with a significant Catholic presence
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as an evangelical Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Wisconsin

ComparisonKentuckyWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPikeville Elementary School
Pikeville
Stopher Elementary School
Louisville
Brandenburg Primary School
Brandenburg
Randall Consolidated School
Burlington
Swallow School
Hartland
Elm Lawn Elementary
Middleton
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle School
Louisville
Beaumont Middle School
Lexington
Highland Middle School
Louisville
Whitefish Bay Middle
Whitefish Bay
Lake Shore Middle School
Mequon
Longfellow Middle School
Wauwatosa
Top 3 High SchoolsDuPont Manual High School
Louisville
Glasgow High School
Glasgow
Bowling Green High School
Bowling Green
Brookfield East High School
Brookfield
Whitefish Bay High School
Whitefish Bay
Eau Claire Memorial High School
Eau Claire
Top 3 Private High SchoolsSacred Heart Academy
Louisville
St. Xavier High School
Louisville
Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Marquette University High School
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Top 3 Private K-12 SchoolsLouisville Collegiate School
Louisville
The Lexington School
Lexington
Sayre School
Lexington
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Madison Country Day School
Waunakee
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Hardin County Schools
Elmbrook Schools
Whitefish Bay School District
Shorewood School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 562 miles from Kentucky to Wisconsin 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,521300 ft3$5.07
1 Bedroom$2,259450 ft3$5.02
2 Bedrooms$3,728750 ft3$4.97
3 Bedrooms$5,4121100 ft3$4.92
4 Bedrooms$7,7931600 ft3$4.87
5+ Bedrooms$8,6771800 ft3$4.82

Top Kentucky to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Wisconsin

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details