Michigan to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Kentucky

ConsMichigan

• Severe winters
• Higher cost of living
• Heavier traffic congestion
• High car insurance rates
• Declining manufacturing jobs

ProsKentucky

• Milder winters
• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic congestion
• More affordable insurance
• Growing service industry

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Kentucky

• Fewer top-ranked schools
• Limited arts options
• No large lakes
• Less industrial presence
• Lacks unique local cuisine

Michigan

• Excellent education system
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Beautiful Great Lakes
• Robust automotive industry
• Famous Coney Island hot dogs

Pros of moving from Michigan to Kentucky

• Say goodbye to severe winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Kentucky with a lower cost of living
• Swap the heavier traffic congestion of Michigan for less traffic congestion in Kentucky
• Get ready for more affordable insurance in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Michigan to Kentucky

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from an excellent education system in Michigan to live with fewer top-ranked schools in Kentucky
• You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant cultural scene and have to settle for the con of limited arts options
• Time to bid farewell to the beautiful Great Lakes and get used to no large lakes in Kentucky
• Swap a robust automotive industry for a less industrial presence

Michigan vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Coney Dog and sumptuous Coney Dog, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Burgoo and Hot Brown Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Zingerman's Deli, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell's Eccentric Café. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Monarch, The Brown Hotel, and Mammy's Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Kentucky

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside properties and wooded backyards, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and horse amenities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Kentucky is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Kentucky housing costs are 16% less expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Kentucky is 9.74% more affordable than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 15% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Kentucky has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 8 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
• The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 12.2 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Kentucky

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 11% less than in Michigan
• The COLI in Kentucky is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in KY is 5.0% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is noticeable in Kentucky compared to significant in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Michigan and manageable in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Kentucky

• Michigan tends to lean slightly Democratic in its political climate
• Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, including Baptist and Evangelical denominations
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a strong presence of Christianity

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Kentucky

How Much Do Michigan to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 553 miles from Michigan to Kentucky 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.