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Minnesota to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 959 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like frigid winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Hotdish vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (craftsman, modern farmhouse vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Chicken & Bourbon BBQ Pork
  • Kentucky housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Kentucky is 21.44% more affordable than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Kentucky movers is Metro Movers

Minnesota to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Kentucky

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Frigid winters
  • High cost of living
  • Limited bourbon selection
  • Few horse farms
  • Distance to Appalachian areas
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Milder winters
  • Affordable housing
  • Bourbon trail tours
  • Thoroughbred culture
  • Close to Appalachians

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Less water recreation
  • Smaller fairs
  • Fewer job options
  • Varying school quality
  • Less bike-friendly
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Lakes and rivers
  • Minnesota State Fair
  • Job opportunities
  • Strong school systems
  • Active biking community

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to frigid winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Kentucky with affordable housing
  • Swap the limited bourbon selection of Minnesota for bourbon trail tours in Kentucky
  • Get ready for thoroughbred culture in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lakes and rivers in Minnesota to live with less water recreation in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of the Minnesota State Fair and have to settle with the con of smaller fairs
  • Time to bid farewell to job opportunities and get used to fewer job options in Kentucky
  • Swap strong school systems for varying school quality

Minnesota vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemHotdishFried Chicken
Most popular meat dishWalleyeBourbon BBQ Pork
Most popular street food itemJuicy Lucy BurgerHot Brown Slider
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlsBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The Bachelor Farmer
  • Wallace Station
  • Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
  • Ramsi's Cafe on the World
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 Minnesota to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Juicy Lucy Burger, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Bourbon BBQ Pork and Hot Brown Slider to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowls 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 Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and The Bachelor Farmer. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Wallace Station, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, and Ramsi's Cafe on the World.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Kentucky

ComparisonMinnesotaKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, Modern FarmhouseColonial, 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 listingLake access, Wooded lotsHorse property, Historic homes
  • The Craftsman and Modern Farmhouse architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and wooded lots, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like horse property and historic homes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 21.44% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaKentucky
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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6387/66
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)24/-644/28
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3045
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5522
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Minnesota to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Kentucky has similar humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota, 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 4 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 34 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 15 more inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Kentucky

ComparisonMinnesotaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$82,338$59,341
Cost of Living Index98.7587.8
State Income Tax5.35%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.15%0.85%
Avg. Sales Tax7.4%6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceProsperousStable
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessManagedConcerning
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 28% less than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 11% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 5.35% in MN
  • The affluence in Kentucky is stable compared to prosperous in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is higher in Kentucky compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is managed in Minnesota and concerning in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Kentucky

ComparisonMinnesotaKentucky
Political Make-upDemocratic-LeaningRepublican-Leaning
Local PoliticsLiberal in urban areasConservative statewide
ReligionMainly Protestant & CatholicPrimarily Protestant
  • Minnesota tends to lean Democratic-Leaning in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-Leaning
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Kentucky

ComparisonMinnesotaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
University of St. Thomas
Minneapolis College
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Eastern Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsScenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka)
Deephaven Elementary (Deephaven)
Creek Valley Elementary (Edina)
Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington)
Beechwood Elementary (Fort Mitchell)
Greathouse Shryock Traditional (Louisville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsMinnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Wayzata East Middle School (Plymouth)
Eden Prairie Central Middle School (Eden Prairie)
Beechwood Middle School (Fort Mitchell)
Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
Highlands Middle School (Fort Thomas)
Top 3 High School SchoolsMinnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Eden Prairie High School (Eden Prairie)
Edina High School (Edina)
DuPont Manual High School (Louisville)
Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy and Summit School (Saint Paul)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
Trinity High School (Louisville)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Kentucky Country Day School (Louisville)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public School District
Eden Prairie School District
Edina Public School District
Fayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Kenton County School District

How Much Do Minnesota to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 959 miles from Minnesota to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,746300 ft3$5.82
1 Bedroom$2,597450 ft3$5.77
2 Bedrooms$4,290750 ft3$5.72
3 Bedrooms$6,2381100 ft3$5.67
4 Bedrooms$8,9931600 ft3$5.62
5+ Bedrooms$10,0271800 ft3$5.57

Top Minnesota to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Kentucky

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Goal Line Moving featured image

Goal Line Moving

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details