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West Virginia to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 261 mile interstate move from West Virginia to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in West Virginia vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like rural isolation vs more urban areas), food & health (like Pepperoni Roll vs Hot Brown), real estate & housing (ranch, cape cod vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kentucky), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pepperoni Roll and Country Ham, but get your taste buds ready for Hot Brown & Fried Chicken
  • Kentucky housing costs are 25% more expensive than they are in West Virginia
  • Rent in Kentucky is 31.04% more expensive than in West Virginia
  • Moving from West Virginia to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended West Virginia to Kentucky movers is Country Roads Moving LLC

West Virginia to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to Kentucky

ConsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited job market
  • Hilly terrain
  • Higher poverty rates
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • More urban areas
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Gentler landscape
  • Better economic prospects

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Less historical influence
  • Less natural beauty
  • Slightly higher expenses
  • More transient population
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Rich cultural history
  • Scenic landscapes
  • Lower cost of living
  • Tight-knit communities

Pros of moving from West Virginia to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to rural isolation and hello to more urban areas
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Kentucky with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the hilly terrain of West Virginia for a gentler landscape in Kentucky
  • Get ready for better economic prospects in Kentucky

Cons of moving from West Virginia to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural history in West Virginia to live with less historical influence in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of scenic landscapes and have to settle with the con of less natural beauty
  • Time to bid farewell to a lower cost of living and get used to slightly higher expenses in Kentucky
  • Swap tight-knit communities for a more transient population

West Virginia vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWest VirginiaKentucky
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollHot Brown
Most popular meat dishCountry HamFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemTudor's Biscuit World BiscuitsBBQ Mutton
Most popular vegan foodMorel MushroomsKentucky Beer Cheese
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Greenbrier
  • Black Sheep Burrito & Brews
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • Mammy's Kitchen
  • Proof on Main
  • Hot Brown at 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 West Virginia to Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful Country Ham and sumptuous Tudor's Biscuit World Biscuits, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and BBQ Mutton to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Morel Mushrooms they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Kentucky Beer Cheese of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Greenbrier, Black Sheep Burrito and Brews, and Tudor's Biscuit World. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like Mammy's Kitchen, Proof on Main, and Hot Brown at The Brown Hotel.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and Kentucky

ComparisonWest VirginiaKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, Cape CodColonial, Craftsman
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 listingMountain views, private lotsHorse farms, historic homes
  • The Ranch and Cape Cod architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and private lots, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like horse farms and historic homes.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Kentucky is more walkable than West Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Kentucky is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
  • Kentucky has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 25% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 31.04% more expensive than in West Virginia.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between West Virginia and Kentucky

ComparisonWest VirginiaKentucky
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 DisastersFloods, StormsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 62Β°F87Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 26Β°F44Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)45"48"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"22"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 19% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
  • Kentucky has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to West Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and storms in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Kentucky.
  • The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 2 degrees warmer than in West Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in West Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 3 more inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and Kentucky

ComparisonWest VirginiaKentucky
Avg. Household Income$54,329$59,341
Cost of Living Index9587.8
State Income Tax4.5%5%
Avg. Property Tax0.59%0.86%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesCoal, Manufacturing, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertySignificantNotable
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 9% more than those in West Virginia
  • The COLI in Kentucky is 8% lower than what you are used to living in West Virginia
  • The state income tax in Kentucky is 5% compared to 4.5% in West Virginia
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to moderate affluence in West Virginia
  • The poverty level is notable in Kentucky compared to significant poverty in West Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in West Virginia and moderate in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. Kentucky

ComparisonWest VirginiaKentucky
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Conservative
Local PoliticsMixed, with emphasis on traditional industriesMixed, agricultural and urban policies evident
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a strong Protestant presencePrimarily Christian, diverse denominations including Baptist majorities
  • West Virginia tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with diverse denominations including Baptist majorities
  • West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with a strong Protestant presence

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to Kentucky

ComparisonWest VirginiaKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia State University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsStepping Stone Montessori School (Lewisburg)
Sunbeam Early Learning Center (Charleston)
Explorer Academy (Huntington)
Athertonville Elementary School (Athertonville)
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional Elementary School (Louisville)
Mann Elementary (Union)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsGeorge Washington Middle School (Charleston)
Mountaineer Montessori Middle School (Charleston)
Suncrest Middle School (Morgantown)
Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle School (Lexington)
Oldham County Middle School (Buckner)
Top 3 High School SchoolsGeorge Washington High School (Charleston)
Morgantown High School (Morgantown)
Wheeling Park High School (Wheeling)
DuPont Manual High School (Louisville)
Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
Top 3 private high schoolsParkersburg Catholic High School (Parkersburg)
Charleston Catholic High School (Charleston)
Wheeling Central Catholic High School (Wheeling)
Saint Xavier High School (Louisville)
Sacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsCharleston Montessori School (Charleston)
Trinity Christian School (Morgantown)
Notre Dame High School (Clarksburg)
Christian Academy of Louisville (Louisville)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)
Top 3 School DistrictsMonongalia County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Kanawha County Schools
Fayette County Public Schools
Jefferson County Public Schools
Oldham County Schools

How Much Do West Virginia to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 261 miles from West Virginia 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$1,350300 ft3$4.50
1 Bedroom$2,003450 ft3$4.45
2 Bedrooms$3,301750 ft3$4.40
3 Bedrooms$4,7871100 ft3$4.35
4 Bedrooms$6,8821600 ft3$4.30
5+ Bedrooms$7,6531800 ft3$4.25

Top West Virginia to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

Best moving company overall for West Virginia to Kentucky

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move Relocation Services featured image

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details