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Ohio to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 249 mile interstate move from Ohio to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climates), food & health (like Cincinnati Chili vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Ohio), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cincinnati Chili and Pork Schnitzel, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Chicken & Hot Brown Turkey Sandwich
  • Kentucky housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Ohio
  • Rent in Kentucky is 9.56% more affordable than in Ohio
  • Moving from Ohio to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Ohio to Kentucky movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Ohio to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to Kentucky

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat landscapes
  • Higher taxes
  • Dense traffic
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Milder climates
  • Rolling hills
  • Lower taxes
  • Less congestion

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Limited job options
  • Rural landscapes
  • Fewer pro teams
  • Less diversity
Ohio iconOhio
  • Diverse job market
  • Urban amenities
  • Major sports teams
  • Cultural diversity

Pros of moving from Ohio to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climates
  • Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Kentucky with rolling hills
  • Swap the higher taxes of Ohio for lower taxes in Kentucky
  • Get ready for less congestion in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Ohio to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse job market in Ohio to live with limited job options in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of urban amenities and have to settle for the con of rural landscapes
  • Time to bid farewell to major sports teams and get used to fewer pro teams in Kentucky
  • Swap cultural diversity for less diversity

Ohio vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOhioKentucky
Most iconic local food itemCincinnati ChiliFried Chicken
Most popular meat dishPork SchnitzelHot Brown Turkey Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBuckeye CandyBourbon Balls
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian ChiliBarbecue Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • KFC
  • Mammoth Lodge
  • The Brown Hotel
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 Ohio to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Cincinnati Chili of Ohio for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Pork Schnitzel and sumptuous Buckeye Candy, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Hot Brown Turkey Sandwich and Bourbon Balls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Barbecue Jackfruit of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Slyman's Deli, Schmidt's Sausage Haus, and Skyline Chili. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like KFC, Mammoth Lodge, and The Brown Hotel.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and Kentucky

ComparisonOhioKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanColonial, Ranch
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 listingFamily-friendly, SpaciousScenic views, Privacy
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference family-friendly and spacious features, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and privacy.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Ohio.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Ohio.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Ohio.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 10% less expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 9.56% more affordable than in Ohio.

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

ComparisonOhioKentucky
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 DisastersSevere Storms, TornadoesSevere Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding
Air QualityGenerally GoodVaries; Urban vs Rural Areas
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F/63Β°F87Β°F/66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36Β°F/22Β°F41Β°F/26Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3948
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2822
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 11% more sunshine days than Ohio.
  • Kentucky has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Ohio.
  • Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in Ohio, but be on the lookout for potential severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding in Kentucky.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 4 degrees warmer than in Ohio.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Ohio.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 9 more inches of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and Kentucky

ComparisonOhioKentucky
Avg. Household Income$65,720$59,341
Cost of Living Index92.8587.8
State Income Tax2.85% - 4.80%2.00% - 5.00%
Avg. Property Tax1.48%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax5.75%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessModerateLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 10% less than in Ohio
  • The COLI in Kentucky is 5% lower than what you are used to living in Ohio
  • The state income tax in KY is 2.00% to 5.00% compared to 2.85% to 4.80% in OH
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to moderate in Ohio
  • The poverty level is higher in Kentucky compared to moderate in Ohio
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Ohio and lower in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. Kentucky

ComparisonOhioKentucky
Political Make-upModerately Republican, with swing state dynamicsStrongly Republican, especially in rural areas
Local PoliticsDiverse, urban areas lean DemocraticConservative, with some Democratic enclaves
ReligionMixed, with a strong Protestant presencePrimarily Protestant, with a significant Baptist community (See More)
  • Ohio tends to lean moderately Republican in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican, especially in rural areas
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant, with a significant Baptist community (See More)
  • Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a strong Protestant presence

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to Kentucky

ComparisonOhioKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Kent State University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsOttawa Hills Elementary
Ottawa Hills; Indian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati; Granville Elementary
Granville
Pewee Valley Junior Academy
Pewee Valley; Anchorage Public Elementary
Anchorage; Rosa Parks Elementary
Lexington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBexley Middle School
Bexley; Hudson Middle School
Hudson; Canfield Middle School
Canfield
DuPont Manual High/Middle
Louisville; Beechwood Middle School
Fort Mitchell; Barret Traditional Middle School
Louisville
Top 3 High SchoolsWalnut Hills High School
Cincinnati; Bexley High School
Bexley; Solon High School
Solon
DuPont Manual High School
Louisville; North Oldham High School
Goshen; Beechwood High School
Fort Mitchell
Top 3 private high schoolsHawken School
Gates Mills; University School
Hunting Valley; The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
Sacred Heart Academy
Louisville; Trinity High School
Louisville; St. Xavier High School
Louisville
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsColumbus Academy
Gahanna; Western Reserve Academy
Hudson; The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
The Lexington School
Lexington; Kentucky Country Day School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
Top 3 School DistrictsOttawa Hills Local Schools
Solon City School District
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Oldham County Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Anchorage Independent Public Schools

How Much Do Ohio to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 249 miles from Ohio 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,344300 ft3$4.48
1 Bedroom$1,993450 ft3$4.43
2 Bedrooms$3,284750 ft3$4.38
3 Bedrooms$4,7621100 ft3$4.33
4 Bedrooms$6,8461600 ft3$4.28
5+ Bedrooms$7,6121800 ft3$4.23

Top Ohio to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Ohio to Kentucky

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Eyring Movers featured image

Eyring Movers

9.53/10
ExceptionalView details