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State-to-State Guide

Moving from Iowa to Kentucky

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

Quick Comparison

Leaving Iowa

Population3.2M
State Income Tax4.4%-6%
Avg Home Price$200,000
Avg Rent$950/mo
Property Tax Rate1.57%
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 Iowa to Kentucky?

The migration corridor between Iowa 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.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Kentucky average 35°F, compared to 22°F in Iowa.

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

Cities in Iowa

Other Major Cities

Cedar Rapids
Davenport
Iowa City

Cities in Kentucky

Other Major Cities

Bowling Green
Covington
Lexington

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 619 miles between Iowa and Kentucky:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,110
3–4 BR Home
$2,743

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

IowaKentucky 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: Iowa vs Kentucky

Taxes

Iowa Income Tax:4.4%-6%
Kentucky Income Tax:4.5%
Iowa Property Tax:1.57%
Kentucky Property Tax:0.86%

Weather

Iowa Summer Avg:83°F
Kentucky Summer Avg:87°F
Iowa Winter Avg:22°F
Kentucky Winter Avg:35°F

Cost of Living

Iowa COL Index:90
Kentucky COL Index:90
Iowa Avg Home Price:$200,000
Kentucky Avg Home Price:$200,000
Iowa Avg Rent:$950/mo
Kentucky Avg Rent:$950/mo

Ready to make the move to Kentucky?

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