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State-to-State Guide

Moving from Illinois to Kentucky

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your Illinois to Kentucky move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving Illinois

Population12.8M
State Income Tax4.95%
Avg Home Price$270,000
Avg Rent$1,300/mo
Property Tax Rate2.27%
DESTINATION

Moving to Kentucky

Population4.5M
State Income Tax4.5%
Avg Home Price$200,000
Avg Rent$950/mo
Property Tax Rate0.86%

Why Are People Moving from Illinois to Kentucky?

The migration corridor between Illinois and Kentucky is a popular interstate move. Thousands of households explore this route every year.

Cost of Living: Both states have a comparable cost of living. The average home price in Kentucky is $70,000 less than Illinois, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Kentucky average 35°F, compared to 28°F in Illinois.

Jobs & Industry: Kentucky's key industries include Bourbon, Automotive, Agriculture, which attract professionals from Illinois's Finance and Manufacturing sectors.

Cities in Illinois

Other Major Cities

Aurora
Naperville
Rockford
Springfield

Cities in Kentucky

Other Major Cities

Bowling Green
Covington
Lexington

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 350 miles between Illinois and Kentucky:

Studio / 1 BR
$975
3–4 BR Home
$2,420

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

IllinoisKentucky Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a Kentucky driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Kentucky within 15 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to Kentucky after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

Kentucky vehicle inspection requirement: Not required.

Things to Know About Kentucky

  • Home to the Bourbon Trail with major distilleries
  • Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May
  • Property tax on motor vehicles is assessed annually

What's Different: Illinois vs Kentucky

Taxes

Illinois Income Tax:4.95%
Kentucky Income Tax:4.5%
Illinois Property Tax:2.27%
Kentucky Property Tax:0.86%

Weather

Illinois Summer Avg:84°F
Kentucky Summer Avg:87°F
Illinois Winter Avg:28°F
Kentucky Winter Avg:35°F

Cost of Living

Illinois COL Index:97
Kentucky COL Index:90
Illinois Avg Home Price:$270,000
Kentucky Avg Home Price:$200,000
Illinois Avg Rent:$1,300/mo
Kentucky Avg Rent:$950/mo

Ready to make the move to Kentucky?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between Illinois and Kentucky.