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Washington to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 2,385 mile interstate move from Washington to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Salmon vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (modern and craftsman vs colonial and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Coffee Rubbed Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Chicken & Hot Brown Turkey Sandwich
  • Kentucky housing costs are 66% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Kentucky is 33.60% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Kentucky will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to Kentucky movers is Seattle Moves & More

Washington to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Kentucky

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Consistent rain
  • Heavy traffic
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Lower cost of living
  • Milder weather
  • Less congestion

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Fewer hospital options
  • Limited tech jobs
  • Smaller arts community
Washington iconWashington
  • High healthcare quality
  • Rich tech industry
  • Vibrant arts scene

Pros of moving from Washington to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from the consistent rain and moving to Kentucky with milder weather
  • Swap the heavy traffic of Washington for less congestion in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Washington to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the high healthcare quality in Washington to live with fewer hospital options in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich tech industry and have to settle with the con of limited tech jobs
  • Time to bid farewell to the vibrant arts scene and get used to a smaller arts community in Kentucky

Washington vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonKentucky
Most iconic local food itemSalmonFried Chicken
Most popular meat dishCoffee Rubbed SteakHot Brown Turkey Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosBurgoo
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlsBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Pink Door
  • Ray’s Boathouse
  • Jack Fry's
  • Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
  • Proof on Main
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 Washington to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Coffee Rubbed Steak and sumptuous Tacos, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Hot Brown Turkey Sandwich and Burgoo to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, The Pink Door, and Ray’s Boathouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Jack Fry's, Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, and Proof on Main.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Kentucky

ComparisonWashingtonKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanColonial and 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 listingGreen space, Energy efficiencySpacious yards, Historic details
  • The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference green space and energy efficiency, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and historic details.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away, as Kentucky is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike, as Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 66% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 33.60% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonKentucky
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 DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodVaries by location
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F87Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 37Β°F44Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3850
Annual Snowfall (Inches)522
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 28% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Kentucky has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 12 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Kentucky

ComparisonWashingtonKentucky
Avg. Household Income$91,306$59,341
Cost of Living Index104.187.8
State Income Tax0% - 9.5%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.03%0.86%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5%-10.5%6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Energy
AffluenceWealthyModest
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessSignificantLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 35% less than in Washington
  • The COLI in Kentucky will be 16% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 0% - 9.5% in WA
  • The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to that of wealthy residents in Washington
  • The poverty level is high in Kentucky compared to moderate levels in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Washington and low in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Kentucky

ComparisonWashingtonKentucky
Political Make-upLean LiberalLean Conservative
Local PoliticsProgressive PoliciesTraditional Values
ReligionLess Religiously AffiliatedHigher Religious Affiliation
  • Washington tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as lean Conservative
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as higher Religious Affiliation
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less Religiously Affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Kentucky

ComparisonWashingtonKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Washington State University
Seattle University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade K-8 (Shoreline)
Challenge Elementary (Everett)
Bertschi School (Seattle)
Athertonville Elementary (Louisville)
Brandeis Elementary (Louisville)
Stopher Elementary (Louisville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School (Bellevue)
Washington Middle School (Seattle)
Lakeside Middle School (Seattle)
Meyzeek Middle School (Louisville)
Newburg Middle School (Louisville)
Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
Top 3 High SchoolsBellevue High School (Bellevue)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
The Bush School (Seattle)
DuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Overlake School (Redmond)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Trinity High School (Louisville)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bush School (Seattle)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Lexington Christian Academy (Lexington)
Christian Academy of Louisville (Louisville)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Top 3 School DistrictsLake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
Fayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Daviess County Public Schools

How Much Do Washington to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 2,385 miles from Washington to Kentucky will typically cost between $4,000 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $4,000 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,555300 ft3$8.52
1 Bedroom$3,809450 ft3$8.47
2 Bedrooms$6,312750 ft3$8.42
3 Bedrooms$9,2021100 ft3$8.37
4 Bedrooms$13,3051600 ft3$8.32
5+ Bedrooms$14,8781800 ft3$8.27

Top Washington to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Washington to Kentucky

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
First Due Movers featured image

First Due Movers

9.25/10
ExceptionalView details