State-to-State Guide

Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

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

Quick Comparison

Leaving Tennessee

Population6.9M
State Income Tax0% (None)
Avg Home Price$330,000
Avg Rent$1,300/mo
Property Tax Rate0.71%
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 Tennessee to Kentucky?

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

Tax Savings: Tennessee has no state income tax, compared to 4.5% in Kentucky. This tax difference is one of the primary financial motivations for this move.

Cost of Living: Both states have a comparable cost of living. The average home price in Kentucky is $130,000 less than Tennessee, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Kentucky average 35°F, compared to 38°F in Tennessee.

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

Cities in Kentucky

Other Major Cities

Bowling Green
Covington
Lexington

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 281 miles between Tennessee and Kentucky:

Studio / 1 BR
$941
3–4 BR Home
$2,337

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

TennesseeKentucky 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: Tennessee vs Kentucky

Taxes

Tennessee Income Tax:None
Kentucky Income Tax:4.5%
Tennessee Property Tax:0.71%
Kentucky Property Tax:0.86%

Weather

Tennessee Summer Avg:89°F
Kentucky Summer Avg:87°F
Tennessee Winter Avg:38°F
Kentucky Winter Avg:35°F

Cost of Living

Tennessee COL Index:91
Kentucky COL Index:90
Tennessee Avg Home Price:$330,000
Kentucky Avg Home Price:$200,000
Tennessee Avg Rent:$1,300/mo
Kentucky Avg Rent:$950/mo

Ready to make the move to Kentucky?

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