Oklahoma to Kentucky Moving Guide
Updated June 16, 2025

Planning a 876 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like severe tornadoes vs milder weather), food & health (like Chicken-Fried Steak vs Kentucky Hot Brown), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kentucky), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chicken-Fried Steak and Barbecue brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Kentucky Hot Brown & Fried Chicken
- Kentucky housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Oklahoma
- Rent in Kentucky is 3.09% more expensive than in Oklahoma
- Moving from Oklahoma to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Oklahoma to Kentucky movers is From Here to There
Oklahoma to Kentucky Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to Kentucky
- Severe tornadoes
- Flat landscapes
- Limited public transport
- Fewer horse farms
- High state taxes
- Milder weather
- Scenic hills
- Efficient services
- Renowned breeding farms
- Lower state taxes
- Higher housing prices
- Less Native influence
- Cold winters
- Fewer large-scale events
- Higher cost of living
- Lower housing costs
- Rich Native history
- Warm winters
- Lively state fairs
- Low cost of living
Pros of moving from Oklahoma to Kentucky
- Say goodbye to severe tornadoes and hello to milder weather
- Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Kentucky with scenic hills
- Swap the limited public transport of Oklahoma for efficient services in Kentucky
- Get ready for renowned breeding farms in Kentucky
Cons of moving from Oklahoma to Kentucky
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower housing costs in Oklahoma to live with higher housing prices in Kentucky
- You'll lose out on the pro of rich Native history and have to settle for the con of less Native influence
- Time to bid farewell to warm winters and get used to cold winters in Kentucky
- Swap lively state fairs for fewer large-scale events
Oklahoma vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Oklahoma | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chicken-Fried Steak | Kentucky Hot Brown |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue brisket | Fried Chicken |
Most popular street food item | Indian Tacos | Burgoo |
Most popular vegan food | Vegetable Fritters | Kale Tacos |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Oklahoma to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Chicken-Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Kentucky Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful Barbecue Brisket and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Burgoo to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Fritters they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Kale Tacos of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Caledonia's, Eischen's Bar, and Paseo Grill. 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, Claudia Sanders Dinner House, and 610 Magnolia.
When comparing lifestyles, Kentucky shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Oklahoma. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Kentucky compared to what you are used to in Oklahoma. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Kentucky.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and Kentucky
Comparison | Oklahoma | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Colonial Revival |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Storm shelters | Horse farms, Historical features |
- The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of Kentucky.
- Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and storm shelters, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like horse farms and historical characteristics.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Kentucky is more walkable than Oklahoma.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Kentucky is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
- Kentucky has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
- Kentucky housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Oklahomaβs $203,455.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
- Rent in Kentucky is 3.09% more expensive than in Oklahoma.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Oklahoma and Kentucky
Comparison | Oklahoma | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Hail | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 94Β°/73Β° | 87Β°/67Β° |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°/30Β° | 44Β°/28Β° |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 36" | 48" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 10" | 22" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 15% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
- Kentucky has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hail in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 7 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
- The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Oklahoma.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and Kentucky
Comparison | Oklahoma | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $59,673 | $59,341 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.1 | 87.8 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.87% | 0.85% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 8.92% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Energy, Aerospace | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Higher |
Homelessness | Lower | Lower |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 1% less than in Oklahoma
- The COLI in Kentucky will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
- There's no change in state income tax between Oklahoma and Kentucky
- The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to moderate in Oklahoma
- The poverty level is higher in Kentucky compared to moderate in Oklahoma
- In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Oklahoma and lower in Kentucky
Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. Kentucky
Comparison | Oklahoma | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative-majority state | Mixed political orientation, with conservative leanings |
Local Politics | Republican stronghold in most areas | Diverse local political landscapes, including both Republican and Democratic strongholds |
Religion | Highly religious, predominantly Christian | Highly religious, predominantly Christian, with a significant Baptist influence |
- Oklahoma tends to lean conservative-majority in its political climate
- Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as having a mixed political orientation with conservative leanings
- Kentucky's religious environment can be described as highly religious and predominantly Christian, with a significant Baptist influence
- Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian
Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to Kentucky
Comparison | Oklahoma | Kentucky |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University University of Tulsa | University of Kentucky University of Louisville Western Kentucky University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Chisholm Elementary School (Edmond) Oakdale Elementary School (Edmond) Russell Dougherty Elementary School (Edmond) | Greathouse/Shryock Traditional Elementary School (Louisville) Rosa Parks Elementary School (Lexington) Brandeis Elementary School (Louisville) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Whittier Middle School (Norman) Central Middle School (Edmond) Sequoyah Middle School (Edmond) | Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville) Beaumont Middle School (Lexington) Crosby Middle School (Louisville) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Edmond North High School (Edmond) Norman High School (Norman) Booker T. Washington High School (Tulsa) | DuPont Manual High School (Louisville) Highlands High School (Fort Thomas) Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell) |
Top 3 private high schools | Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (Oklahoma City) Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa) Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City) | St. Xavier High School (Louisville) Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville) Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Heritage Hall (Oklahoma City) Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa) Holland Hall (Tulsa) | Sacred Heart Schools (Louisville) Sayre School (Lexington) Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville) |
Top 3 School Districts | Edmond Public Schools Norman Public Schools Jenks Public Schools | Fayette County Public Schools Oldham County Schools Jefferson County Public Schools |
How Much Do Oklahoma to Kentucky Movers Cost?
Moving 876 miles from Oklahoma 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: 2-3 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,699 | 300 ft3 | $5.66 |
1 Bedroom | $2,526 | 450 ft3 | $5.61 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,173 | 750 ft3 | $5.56 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,065 | 1100 ft3 | $5.51 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,742 | 1600 ft3 | $5.46 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,745 | 1800 ft3 | $5.41 |
Top Oklahoma to Kentucky Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Oklahoma to Kentucky movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

From Here to There
Best moving company overall for Oklahoma to Kentucky