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North Carolina to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 472 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricanes vs fewer natural disasters), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Kentucky Hot Brown), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern-style BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Kentucky Hot Brown & Fried Chicken
  • Kentucky housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Kentucky is 24.42% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Kentucky movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Kentucky

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricanes
  • High property taxes
  • Tourist congestion
  • High humidity
  • Traffic congestion
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less crowded attractions
  • Moderate climate
  • Simpler commutes

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Limited tech jobs
  • Landlocked state
  • Traditional norms
  • Fewer major universities
  • Less cultural diversity
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Vibrant tech industry
  • Scenic beaches
  • Progressive culture
  • Prestigious universities
  • Rich arts scene

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to hurricanes and hello to fewer natural disasters
  • Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to Kentucky with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the tourist congestion of North Carolina for less crowded attractions in Kentucky
  • Get ready for a moderate climate in Kentucky

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a vibrant tech industry in North Carolina to live with limited tech jobs in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of scenic beaches and have to settle for the con of a landlocked state
  • Time to bid farewell to a progressive culture and get used to traditional norms in Kentucky
  • Swap prestigious universities for fewer major universities

North Carolina vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQKentucky Hot Brown
Most popular meat dishEastern-style BBQFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemCarolina-style Hot DogsBourbon Balls
Most popular vegan foodSmoky Sweet Potato BurgerFried Green Tomatoes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • The Pit
    • Lexington Barbecue
    • Acme Food & Beverage Co.
    • The Brown Hotel
    • Greyhound Tavern
    • Mammy's Kitchen
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 North Carolina to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Kentucky Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern-style BBQ and sumptuous Carolina-style Hot Dogs, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Bourbon Balls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Smoky Sweet Potato Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Fried Green Tomatoes of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like The Pit, Lexington Barbecue, and Acme Food & Beverage Co. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Brown Hotel, Greyhound Tavern, and Mammy's Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Kentucky

ComparisonNorth CarolinaKentucky
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 listingLarge yards, proximity to beachesHorse farms, spacious landscapes
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to beaches, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like horse farms and spacious landscapes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Kentucky is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Kentucky is less bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 24.42% more affordable than in North Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Kentucky

ComparisonNorth CarolinaKentucky
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88/6687/65
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50/3044/27
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5048
Annual Snowfall (Inches)422
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 8% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 1 degree colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Kentucky

ComparisonNorth CarolinaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$67,481$59,341
Cost of Living Index95.8587.8
State Income Tax5.25%5.00%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Technology, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 12% less than in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in KY is 5.00% compared to 5.25% in NC
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is high in Kentucky compared to moderate in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and moderate in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Kentucky

ComparisonNorth CarolinaKentucky
Political Make-upModerately conservative, with a mix of Republican and Democratic representationConservative, predominantly Republican representation
Local PoliticsVaries by region, with urban areas leaning more DemocraticLargely conservative across the state, with some Democratic strongholds in larger cities
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse denominationsChristianity predominant, with a significant Baptist presence
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately conservative in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as conservative with predominantly Republican representation
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with a significant Baptist presence
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse denominations

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Kentucky

ComparisonNorth CarolinaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEndhaven Elementary School
Charlotte; Morrisville Elementary
Morrisville; Davis Drive Elementary
Cary
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional
Louisville; Rosa Parks Elementary
Lexington; Veteran's Park Elementary
Lexington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJay M. Robinson Middle
Charlotte; Community House Middle
Charlotte; Davis Drive Middle
Cary
Beechwood Middle School
Fort Mitchell; Barret Traditional Middle School
Louisville; Bowling Green Junior High
Bowling Green
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Durham; Raleigh Charter High School
Raleigh; Myers Park High
Charlotte
DuPont Manual High
Louisville; Highlands High School
Fort Thomas; Beechwood High School
Fort Mitchell
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Country Day School
Charlotte; Ravenscroft School
Raleigh; Durham Academy
Durham
Sacred Heart Academy
Louisville; St. Xavier High School
Louisville; Lexington Catholic High School
Lexington
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCary Academy
Cary; Charlotte Latin School
Charlotte; Providence Day School
Charlotte
The Lexington School
Lexington; The Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools; Wake County Public School System; Charlotte-Mecklenburg SchoolsFayette County Public Schools; Jefferson County Public Schools; Bowling Green Independent School District

How Much Do North Carolina to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 472 miles from North Carolina to Kentucky 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,470300 ft3$4.90
1 Bedroom$2,183450 ft3$4.85
2 Bedrooms$3,600750 ft3$4.80
3 Bedrooms$5,2251100 ft3$4.75
4 Bedrooms$7,5201600 ft3$4.70
5+ Bedrooms$8,3701800 ft3$4.65

Top North Carolina to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Kentucky

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Raleigh Moving Company featured image

Raleigh Moving Company

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details