Tennessee to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

ConsTennessee

• High humidity levels
• Traffic in cities
• Lack of horse races
• High sales tax
• Limited bourbon options

ProsKentucky

• Less summer humidity
• Less traffic congestion
• Home to the Derby
• Lower sales tax
• Rich bourbon heritage

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Kentucky

• Lacks BBQ variety
• Colder winters
• Less music spotlight
• Job markets limited
• No large mountains

Tennessee

• Great BBQ scene
• Warm winters
• Country music hub
• Dynamic job market
• Smoky Mountains

Pros of moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

• Say goodbye to high humidity levels and hello to less summer humidity
• Look forward to moving away from traffic in cities and moving to Kentucky with less traffic congestion
• Swap the lack of horse races in Tennessee for being home to the Derby in Kentucky
• Get ready for lower sales tax in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the great BBQ scene in Tennessee to live with a lack of BBQ variety in Kentucky
• You'll lose out on the pro of warm winters and have to settle for the con of colder winters
• Time to bid farewell to the country music hub and get used to less of a music spotlight in Kentucky
• Swap the dynamic job market for a job market that is limited

Tennessee vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Tennessee to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Memphis BBQ of Tennessee for the equally delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous Gourmet Hotdogs, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Burgoo and Hot Brown sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan “fried chicken” of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like Central BBQ, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, and Chez Philippe. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Clark’s House of Burgoo, Gratz Park Inn, and The Lobby Lounge.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and Kentucky

• The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
• Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious layouts and natural scenery, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor space and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Tennessee.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Tennessee.
• Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Tennessee.
• Kentucky housing costs are 37% less expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
• Rent in Kentucky is 22.12% more affordable than in Tennessee.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
• Kentucky has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Tennessee.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and ice storms in Kentucky.
• The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees colder than in Tennessee.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and Kentucky

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 9% less than in Tennessee
• The COLI in Kentucky will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Tennessee
• Bummer... By moving from TN to KY, you'll now have a state income tax of 5%
• The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to moderate in Tennessee
• The poverty level is noticeable in Kentucky compared to noticeable in Tennessee
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Tennessee and manageable in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. Kentucky

• Tennessee tends to lean generally conservative with strong Republican performance in federal and statewide races and GOP supermajorities in the legislature, with no party registration in its political climate
• Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as mixed but leans conservative with Republican supermajorities in the legislature and a Democratic governor, with party registration now tilting Republican.
• Kentucky's religious environment can be described as predominantly Protestant, including evangelical and mainline denominations, especially Baptist, with a notable Catholic presence in Louisville and Northern Kentucky.
• Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Protestant, especially evangelical and Baptist, with higher-than-average church participation.

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

How Much Do Tennessee to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 296 miles from Tennessee 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.