Movers

Nebraska to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 987 mile interstate move from Nebraska to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Nebraska vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Runza vs Hot Brown), real estate & housing (ranch and modern farmhouse vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Nebraska), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Runza and Beef Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Hot Brown & Fried Chicken
  • Kentucky housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Nebraska
  • Rent in Kentucky is 2.54% more expensive than in Nebraska
  • Moving from Nebraska to Kentucky will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Nebraska to Kentucky movers is King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Nebraska to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Nebraska to Kentucky

ConsNebraska iconNebraska
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat landscape
  • Limited nightlife
  • Sparse population
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Mild winters
  • Beautiful horse farms
  • Vibrant cities
  • Welcoming communities

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Higher humidity
  • Increases in traffic
  • Limited job diversity
  • Higher housing costs
Nebraska iconNebraska
  • Friendly people
  • Low crime rate
  • Agricultural industry
  • Affordable living

Pros of moving from Nebraska to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a flat landscape and moving to Kentucky with beautiful horse farms
  • Swap the limited nightlife of Nebraska for vibrant cities in Kentucky
  • Get ready for welcoming communities in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Nebraska to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly people in Nebraska to live with higher humidity in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a low crime rate and have to settle with the con of increases in traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to the agricultural industry and get used to limited job diversity in Kentucky
  • Swap affordable living for higher housing costs

Nebraska vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNebraskaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemRunzaHot Brown
Most popular meat dishBeef SteakFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemCorn DogsBurgoo
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenVegetable Plate
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Drover
  • Misty's Steakhouse
  • Block 16
  • Mammy's Kitchen
  • Proof on Main
  • Jack Fry's
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 Nebraska to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Runza of Nebraska for the equally delicious Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in Nebraska rave about their flavorful Beef Steak and sumptuous Corn Dogs, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Burgoo to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Plate of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Nebraska eateries like The Drover, Misty's Steakhouse, and Block 16. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Mammy's Kitchen, Proof on Main, and Jack Fry's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Nebraska and Kentucky

ComparisonNebraskaKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and 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 listingSpacious yards, dual car garagesHistoric details, proximity to parks
  • The Ranch and Modern Farmhouse architecture that Nebraska is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Nebraska's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and dual car garages, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to parks.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Kentucky is less walkable than Nebraska.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Nebraska.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Nebraska.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Nebraska, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Nebraska’s $257,167.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 47% increase in Nebraska.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 2.54% more expensive than in Nebraska.

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

ComparisonNebraskaKentucky
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, BlizzardsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 64Β°F87Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35Β°F / 13Β°F44Β°F / 27Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)30"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)28"22"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Nebraska to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Nebraska.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Nebraska.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Nebraska, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees warmer than in Nebraska.
  • The average winter lows are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Nebraska.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 20 more inches of rain compared to Nebraska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Nebraska and Kentucky

ComparisonNebraskaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$69,597$59,341
Cost of Living Index90.8587.8
State Income Tax5.84%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.61%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax6.94%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, TransportationManufacturing, Healthcare, Mining
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 15% less than in Nebraska
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Nebraska
  • The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 5.84% in NE
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Nebraska
  • The poverty level is moderate in Kentucky compared to low in Nebraska
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Nebraska and moderate in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Nebraska vs. Kentucky

ComparisonNebraskaKentucky
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Conservative
Local PoliticsMixed local governanceConservative-leaning local governance
ReligionChristian majority, diverse faith communitiesChristian majority, strong Baptist presence
  • Nebraska tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as lean Conservative
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a strong Baptist presence
  • Nebraska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse faith communities

Education Guide When Moving from Nebraska to Kentucky

ComparisonNebraskaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Creighton University
Nebraska Wesleyan University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPaddock Road Elementary
Omaha; Westbrook Elementary
Omaha; Swanson Elementary
Omaha
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional
Louisville; Brandeis Elementary
Louisville; Rosa Parks Elementary
Lexington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsElkhorn Middle School
Elkhorn; Kiewit Middle School
Omaha; Pound Middle School
Lincoln
Barret Traditional Middle School
Louisville; Meyzeek Middle School
Louisville; Beaumont Middle School
Lexington
Top 3 High SchoolsLincoln East High School
Lincoln; Millard North High School
Omaha; Elkhorn South High School
Elkhorn
DuPont Manual High School
Louisville; Highlands High School
Fort Thomas; Beechwood High School
Fort Mitchell
Top 3 private high schoolsBrownell Talbot School
Omaha; Mount Michael Benedictine School
Elkhorn; Marian High School
Omaha
Sacred Heart Academy
Louisville; Trinity High School
Louisville; St. Xavier High School
Louisville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBrownell Talbot College Preparatory School
Omaha; Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Omaha; Omaha Christian Academy
Omaha
Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville; The Lexington School
Lexington; The Sayre School
Lexington
Top 3 School DistrictsElkhorn Public Schools
Westside Community Schools
Millard Public Schools
Oldham County Schools
Fayette County Public Schools
Bowling Green Independent School District

How Much Do Nebraska to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 987 miles from Nebraska to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,762300 ft3$5.87
1 Bedroom$2,621450 ft3$5.82
2 Bedrooms$4,330750 ft3$5.77
3 Bedrooms$6,2961100 ft3$5.72
4 Bedrooms$9,0781600 ft3$5.67
5+ Bedrooms$10,1221800 ft3$5.62

Top Nebraska to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha featured image

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha

Best moving company overall for Nebraska to Kentucky

9.48/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
King's Moving featured image

King's Moving

9.36/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Tetris Movers featured image

Tetris Movers

9.20/10
ExceptionalView details