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Wisconsin to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 564 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like brutal winters vs milder weather), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Fried Chicken), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Chicken & Hot Brown
  • Kentucky housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Kentucky is 4.71% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Kentucky movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Kentucky

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Brutal winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Limited bourbon culture
  • Fewer horse racing events
  • Less scenic landscapes
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Milder weather
  • Lower taxes
  • Bourbon capital
  • Kentucky Derby
  • Beautiful rolling hills

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • No large lakes
  • Limited local cheese
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Fewer festivals
  • Car-dependent
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Lake Michigan access
  • Cheese and dairy
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Diverse cultural festivals
  • Public transportation

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to brutal winters and hello to milder weather
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Kentucky with lower taxes
  • Swap the limited bourbon culture of Wisconsin for the bourbon capital in Kentucky
  • Get ready for the Kentucky Derby in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lake Michigan access in Wisconsin to live with no large lakes in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of cheese and dairy and have to settle with the con of limited local cheese
  • Time to bid farewell to a thriving tech industry and get used to fewer tech jobs in Kentucky
  • Swap diverse cultural festivals for fewer festivals

Wisconsin vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinKentucky
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsFried Chicken
Most popular meat dishBratwurstHot Brown
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsBarbecue Pulled Pork
Most popular vegan foodRoasted Vegetable PlatterKale and Quinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Mader's
  • Safe House
  • The Brown Hotel (Home of the Original Hot Brown)
  • Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn
  • Monell'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 Wisconsin to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Fried Chicken of Kentucky. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Hot Brown and Barbecue Pulled Pork to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Roasted Vegetable Platter they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Kale and Quinoa Salad of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mader's, and Safe House. 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 (Home of the Original Hot Brown), Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, and Monell's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Kentucky

ComparisonWisconsinKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialColonial, 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 listingLake access, Wooded areasHistoric properties, Horse farms
  • The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and wooded areas, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like historic properties and horse farms.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Kentucky is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Kentucky is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Kentucky has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased 47% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 4.71% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinKentucky
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 DisastersSnowstorms, Cold WavesTornadoes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 57Β°F87Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F44Β°F / 27Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"12"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 4% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Kentucky has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and flooding in Kentucky.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 5 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 16 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Kentucky

ComparisonWisconsinKentucky
Avg. Household Income$70,996$59,341
Cost of Living Index95.6587.8
State Income Tax6.27%5%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax5%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Information Technology, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessContainedManageable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 16% less than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Kentucky is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in KY is 5% compared to 6.27% in WI
  • The affluence in Kentucky is modest compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is moderate in Kentucky compared to low in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is contained in Wisconsin and manageable in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Kentucky

ComparisonWisconsinKentucky
Political Make-upSwing State, leans DemocraticRepublican stronghold
Local Politics<a href="https://elections.wi.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Wisconsin Elections Commission</a><a href="https://elect.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kentucky State Board of Elections</a>
ReligionLutheran, CatholicBaptist, Evangelical
  • Wisconsin tends to lean swing State and leans Democratic in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as a Republican stronghold
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as Baptist and Evangelical
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Lutheran and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Kentucky

ComparisonWisconsinKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwan School (Madison)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Woodland School (Appleton)
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional School (Louisville)
Ashland Elementary (Lexington)
Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLake Shore Middle (Mequon)
Whitefish Bay Middle (Whitefish Bay)
Pilgrim Park Middle School (Brookfield)
Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle School (Lexington)
North Oldham Middle School (Goshen)
Top 3 High SchoolsBrookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Eau Claire Memorial High School (Eau Claire)
Whitefish Bay High (Whitefish Bay)
DuPont Manual High (Louisville)
North Oldham High (Goshen)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Madison)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Madison)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Cedarburg School District
Oldham County Schools
Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Beechwood Independent School District

How Much Do Wisconsin to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 564 miles from Wisconsin to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,522300 ft3$5.07
1 Bedroom$2,261450 ft3$5.02
2 Bedrooms$3,731750 ft3$4.97
3 Bedrooms$5,4171100 ft3$4.92
4 Bedrooms$7,7991600 ft3$4.87
5+ Bedrooms$8,6831800 ft3$4.82

Top Wisconsin to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Kentucky

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
About Time Moving Systems LLC featured image

About Time Moving Systems LLC

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details