Making the decision to move is not always easy, especially when we are born and raised in a particular place. However, there are many factors that lead people to relocate to a different state. In Kentucky, for instance, more than 50% of the people moving out of this state are leaving to pursue a job somewhere else.
Similarly, the state of New York also sees a large number of outbound moves, but that doesn’t mean that moving to New York is not a good thing. New York is considered one of the top 25 states in the country, whereas Kentucky is in the bottom 10.
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- Moving from Kentucky to New York is a great option for those interested in living in one of the top states in the country. In this article, we’ll go over this moving process in detail!
- Night view of Downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
Separated by approximately 799 miles, each of these two states has its pros and cons. If you’re thinking of moving from Kentucky to New York, you should keep in mind that your items may take a week or two to arrive at your new location — but this time varies from company to company. However, every moving company has the right to deliver your belongings within 21 days maximum, according to the law.
If you’re moving from Kentucky to New York, this guide is for you. We’ll explain everything there is to know about relocating from one to the other, including the differences between Kentucky and New York (one state is way more conservative than the other, for instance), the advantages and disadvantages of both states, how to move from Kentucky to New York, and much more!
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How Much Does It Cost to Move from Kentucky to New York?
This is the first question you’re probably asking yourself. Money is a huge factor in most things in life but it’s also something that doesn’t grow on trees, and that’s why it’s important for us to try and save as much money as possible.
There are different ways you can relocate from Kentucky to New York, and some of them will save you more money than others. If you want to get moving costs estimates, you can use our free moving costs calculator. We’ll give you estimates in under 5 minutes and will also help you contact different moving companies!
However, before you get estimates, it’s important that you understand the different types of services you can hire to make a move from Kentucky to New York. Below we’ll explain three different types in detail.
Full-service moving company
A full-service moving company is like a dream come true. They’ll help you with everything related to the moving process. Depending on the services package that your purchase, they’ll do the packing, the loading and unloading, the transportation of your belongings, and more!
However, all that help comes with a price — and hiring full-service moving companies can be quite expensive. The moving costs when you hire these companies are proportional to the number of services they offer.
If you’re not running low on budget, your best option to relocate is to hire this type of mover. Here are the estimated costs of hiring a full-service moving company to move from Kentucky to New York:
- Studio/1 Bedroom: $1719 – $2865
- 2-3 Bedrooms: $3144 – $5240
- 4+ Bedrooms: $3856 – $6427
- Office-Commercial Moving: $6144 – $8240
DIY Moving Truck
Who said that you are obliged to hire a moving company? If you have the time and the energy, you can do a DIY move. In this type of moving, all you have to do is rent a DIY moving truck and do everything yourself.
- One of the options that you have when moving from Kentucky to New York is doing a DYI move. All you have to do is rent a moving truck!
- Family loading a rental moving truck for a DIY move.
While you get to save more money with this type of relocation, there are some downsides to it. First of all, you’ll need to have a lot of available time to do the organizing, packing, and loading of your belongings. Secondly, if you live alone, you’ll probably need to hire someone to help you with this.
On top of all that, you’ll need to drive the truck from Kentucky to New York yourself. Depending on the size of the truck, you may even need to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in order to be allowed to drive the moving truck. And you’ll also have to cover all additional expenses, such as gas expenses, hiring moving insurance, paying for repairs, et cetera.
If you’re wondering how much you would spend with this type of moving, here are the costs of renting a DIY moving truck to move from Kentucky to New York. Keep in mind that these numbers don’t include additional fees.
- Studio/1 Bedroom: $879+
- 2-3 Bedrooms: $935+
- 4+ Bedrooms: $1215+
- Office-Commercial Moving: $2715+
Moving Container
Another option that you have is to hire a moving container. In this type of moving, you’re in charge of packing and loading your items to a container, and the moving company is responsible for transporting the container to your new location.
This type of moving is kind of similar to renting a moving truck in the sense that you’re going to have to pack your belongings and load them into the container. The difference is that you won’t have to worry about driving or covering gas fees nor hiring moving insurance, as all of that is included in the services package.
While hiring a moving container is cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company, it is still more expensive than renting a moving truck and doing a DIY move. Here’s how much you would have to spend to move from Kentucky to New York using a moving container:
- Studio/1 Bedroom: $1204+
- 2-3 Bedrooms: $1340
- 4+ Bedrooms: $1476
- Office-Commercial Moving: $2300+
How to Hire Movers from Kentucky to New York
In addition to knowing the different types of services you can hire, you also need to be aware that there are different types of movers. Not every moving company can help you relocate from Kentucky to New York, as they may work exclusively with local moving.
Depending on the distance that you’re moving, you may need specific types of movers that have special licenses from the Department of Transportation, as we’ll explain in the sections below.
- When hiring a mover, you need to make sure you’re hiring the correct type of mover to help you relocate from Kentucky to New York. Below we’ll explain three different types of moving!
- A moving truck driving into the sunset.
Also, if you’re unsure as to how to contact moving companies, there are specific professionals that can help. These professionals are called “moving brokers”, and they’re freelance agents that can direct you to the right moving company based on your needs. It’s important to note that brokers are not movers; they won’t provide moving services for you. They’ll simply guide you in this process and in finding a mover.
Interstate Moving
Intrastate moving is also known as local moving, and it’s the process of moving between cities within the same state. The opposite of that process is called interstate moving — and it is the process of moving from one state to another state.
Kentucky and New York are two different states, thus moving from Kentucky to New York is considered interstate moving. You should keep this term in mind, as not all companies offer this type of moving.
Long-Distance Moving
What is considered a long-distance move? This concept is fairly relative and will vary depending on the company. For instance, some companies consider that, if two cities are 100 miles apart, then that is long-distance moving. However, most companies agree that moving 400 miles and beyond is what defines a long-distance move.
The shortest distance between Louisville, Kentucky, and New York City, New York, is approximately 746 miles. This means that moving from Kentucky to New York is considered a long-distance move, as the distance is well above 400 miles. The good news is that most companies that offer interstate moving services also work with long-distance moving.
Cross-Country Moving
Let’s imagine that you were moving from California to New York. This would obviously be a long-distance move, but there is another definition for this type of moving: cross-country moving.
A cross-country move is simply a moving process that takes you from one side of the country to the other, which is not the case with relocating from Kentucky to New York. While this is a long-distance move, there are only approximately 3 states between them, and that certainly doesn’t make for a cross-country move.
5 Moving Companies to Help You Relocate from Kentucky to New York
Once you’re aware of the different services and the different types of movers you can hire, it’s time to start looking for the perfect moving company to help you in the moving process. The moving market is considerably large, and finding one company among thousands of companies is not an easy task.
You can use our moving costs calculator to get quotes from different moves, and that already makes you one step closer to finding the ideal mover. But to help you get a headstart, here are 5 moving companies to help you relocate from Kentucky to New York.
Wildcat Moving
Wildcat Moving is a Kentucky-based moving company created by a University of Kentucky graduate in 2010. The founder of the company was born and raised in the Bluegrass State and decided to create a company that would fit all Kentucky residents in need of a mover.
This moving company offers different services, including long-distance moving. An advantage of hiring Wildcat Moving is that they charge hourly rates and are very transparent about the pricing. In fact, you can check their rates on the home page of their website, which is not something you’ll get with every moving company!
Cardinal Moving
Another Kentucky-based company that can help you relocate from Kentucky to New York is Cardinal Moving. This company was created by a former Wildcat Moving employee in 2014 and has since been providing high-quality services.
Cardinal Moving offers a wide range of moving services, from packing to transporting bulky items. They are quite direct about their pricing, and charge between $160 to $170 per hour, as well as charging another $70/hour in case you need to hire an additional mover to help pack your items.
Roadway Moving
In case you prefer to hire a New York-based moving company, Roadway Moving is a great option. This NYC mover offers long-distance moving services, as well as doing office/commercial moving and apartment moving.
Roadway Moving has different services packages, and you can hire basic packages or premium packages with their Roadway Moving BLACK luxury services. You can get quotes from this company by filling a short form on their website.
United Van Lines
Finding a local company that can help you relocate from Kentucky to New York is not always easy. Even though they may be cheaper options, sometimes there’s nothing you can do other than hiring a nationwide company, like United Van Lines.
The advantage of hiring United is that they offer online quotes, but also do in-home evaluations to give you a customized quote. The downside is that this company’s services are on the pricey side.
U-Pack Moving
Another company that operates nationwide is U-Pack. This company is known for having competitive pricing and high-quality customer service. Once you pack your belongings, U-Pack drops off a moving container at your front door. You load the container (they give you up to 3 days to do this) and, once you’re done, the company sends a driver and they’ll transport your items from Kentucky to New York.
The thing about U-Pack is that, as the name suggests, you’ll be the one doing the packing. Another downside is that you won’t be able to track your belongings once they’re on the road.
What Are The Top Benefits of Moving from Kentucky to New York?
When we consider moving from one place to another, one of the things we do is compare both places. By doing this, we can make sure that this relocation process will be worth it — after all, what is the point of moving to a state that is doing worse than your current state?
Kentucky and New York are different in many ways, including culturally, politically, geographically, and more. If you’re thinking of making this move but are not yet sure about it, we’re here to help. Here are the top benefits of moving from Kentucky to New York!
Pros of Living in Kentucky
- Affordability
- The cost of living in Kentucky is considerably below the national average, at 86.5 while the national average is 100. In addition to being an affordable state, housing in Kentucky is also quite affordable.
- Location
- Kentucky is a land-locked state bordered by Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri. This means that you live close to several large cities in the Midwest and in the South.
- Activities
- There are plenty of things to do in Kentucky, especially if you’re into sports and outdoor activities. Hunting is a big thing in Kentucky, as well as the rivalry between the sports teams from the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky.
Pros of Moving to New York
- Entertainment
- If you’re moving to New York City, you’re moving to the cultural capital of the world. While there are plenty of things you can do in Kentucky, no other place compares to NYC and the things you can do there.
- Weather
- The weather in New York is quite unstable, but it’s also quite the experience. If you want to experience distinctly the four seasons and all the activities associated with these seasons, New York is ideal for you.
- Traveling
- Because of New York City, the state of New York is a great place for traveling. If you want to travel by train, there are many rail connections to take you to a lot of different places. If you’re thinking of traveling internationally, New York is also a perfect hub for that.
Cons of Living in Kentucky
- Education
- The education system in Kentucky is often dubbed as one of the worst in the country. Less than 35% of the population has a college diploma, and the schools in this state often get scores that are lower than the national average.
- Crime
- When poverty rates are higher, so are crime rates — and that’s the case in Kentucky. The violent crime rate in this state is 217 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the incarceration rate is 516 incarcerated people per every 100,000 people.
- Landlocked
- As we mentioned earlier, Kentucky is a landlocked state, which means that there are no beaches to enjoy in this state. If you’re a beach person, this is certainly a disadvantage to you.
Cons of Moving to New York
- Affordability
- It’s no secret that the state of New York is one of the most expensive states in the country. New York residents have a high tax burden, as well as having to deal with high costs of living and expensive housing.
- Weather
- It’s impossible to talk about the disadvantages of moving to New York and not mention the weather. NY’s weather is really unstable; it can be rainy and cold today, but extremely hot and humid the next day.
- Employment
- Many companies are leaving the state of New York, especially after the pandemic. Consequently, the unemployment in this state is one of the 10 highest in the country.
Comparison: Price of Living in Kentucky vs. Price of Living in New York
In the section above, we briefly mentioned how Kentucky is more affordable than New York. There are many factors that contribute to this difference in affordability, including the fact that New York is home to New York City, one of the most famous and sought-after cities in the world.
If you’re considering moving to New York, here are the estimated living costs for a family of 2 adults and 2 children in both Kentucky and New York. The estimates below are based on families living in Louisville (KY) and Buffalo (NY).
EXPENSES | KENTUCKY | NEW YORK |
Housing | $821 | $799 |
Food | $725 | $753 |
Child care | $1,301 | $1,946 |
Transportation | $1,153 | $1,144 |
Health care | $814 | $1,064 |
Other necessities | $624 | $626 |
Taxes | $845 | $1,088 |
Monthly Total | $6,283 | $7,339 |
Annual Total | $75,400 | $88,071 |
All the estimated values above were calculated using the Family Budget Calculator provided by the EPI.
Best Places to Move to in New York
When we think about New York, it’s nearly impossible not to think of New York City almost immediately. It’s just like talking about the state of Illinois and mentioning Chicago at least once. These cities are two of the most famous cities in the world, so it’s only natural that we immediately think of them as soon as the states of New York and Illinois are mentioned.
- Even though the state of New York is known for being home to New York City, there are plenty of beautiful cities you can live in this state, such as Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester.
- Aerial view of Manhattan, New York City (NY) during the day.
However, the state of New York is much bigger than just NYC. As such, there are other cities in the state that are just good for you to live in and probably more affordable. If you’re moving from Kentucky to New York but aren’t sure about where to move in the state, here are the best places to move to in New York!
- Rochester
- The fourth-most populous city in New York, Rochester is known for being the home of several important companies in the US and for being home to some of the best research institutions in the country.
- Buffalo
- The largest city after New York City, Buffalo is located at a privileged location — at the head of the Niagara River! This city is particularly suitable for those who want to live in a place where they can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities.
- Albany
- The capital of the state New York, Albany is home to a little under 100,000 people. This city is an important economic center and is also becoming an important center for the tech industry.
- New York City
- Home to over 8.4 million people, New York City needs no introduction. This city, also known as the Big Apple or the Melting Pot, is one of the most diverse and culturally rich places you’ll ever visit. Living here is quite an experience, but not everyone gets used to living here — especially those who are coming from small towns in Kentucky.
In the end, is Moving from Kentucky to New York Worth It?
In terms of affordability, moving from Kentucky to New York may not be a great option. We are starting off this section talking about money because we are aware that this is a factor that plays a huge role in most of our decisions. Living in New York is more expensive, housing is pricey, and the tax burden is considerably high.
However, if we are to talk about job opportunities, moving to New York is worth it. While the unemployment rate in this state is considerably high, there are more employment options for residents, especially in professions that have high demand and are more specific (for instance, jobs in the tech industry for residents who work with nanotechnology).
In terms of culture and entertainment, it’s quite clear which state is the best. New York is home to New York City, the cultural capital of the world, after all. However, New York is also one of the most diverse states you’ll live in, and the political and religious mindsets here are quite different than those you’re used to in Kentucky. Also, gun laws are much more strict in New York, so that is another thing to keep in mind when moving from Kentucky to New York.
How to Move from Kentucky to New York
Have you decided that relocating from Kentucky to New York is ideal for you? Are you still trying to make a final decision? Either way, you’ll need to know how to proceed and what to do during a moving process. Lots of people have never relocated in their lives, so this process can seem quite complicated.
However, you don’t have to worry because we are here to help you. Below you’ll see that we have compiled a list of 10 simple steps that will help you during the relocation process. Here are 10 tips on how to move from Kentucky to New York!
- Plan ahead.
- If you want to make sure that your moving process will be smooth and you won’t have any problems on your move from Kentucky to New York, the very first thing you have to do is plan ahead. Our downloadable moving checklistcomes in handy during this initial step!
- Downsize.
- We’re almost completely sure that, if you walk around the house, you’ll find at least a couple of things you don’t use at all. Keep in mind that your moving costs will vary depending on how much stuff you’re transporting, so you may want to downsize before booking a mover.
- Get moving quotes.
- One important step in the moving process is to get moving quotes from different companies. This way you’ll be assured that you’re hiring the most affordable movers. You can use our free moving costs calculator to receive estimates and to contact different movers!
- Book movers.
- Once you’ve found the ideal mover, it’s time to hire their services. It’s important that you book a mover in advance in order to avoid having to pay last-minute moving fees.
- Visit your new area.
- If you’re still not completely sure about moving from Kentucky to New York, one tip that we have for you is that you visit your new area prior to making a final decision. Spend a weekend at the new location and see if you’ll get used to living there or not!
- Start packing.
- At this point, you should have already gotten rid of unnecessary items in your home and contacted a mover. The next step in the process is to start packing your items. Some moving companies include moving boxes in the package, while others charge additional fees if you want boxes. If the moving company is doing the packing for you, you can obviously skip this step.
- Create an Essentials box.
- If you’re relocating to your new location by car, the travel time between Kentucky and New York is approximately 12 hours. That is a long time to be inside a car, and you’ll want to have access to things like food and toiletries. In that case, your best option is to create an Essentials box and store all these essential items to bring with you in the car.
- Say farewells.
- Moving to a new place means that you’ll be leaving behind your life as you know it. You won’t be seeing/visiting your friends or relatives as often you do now, so it’s important that you take some time to say farewells to them.
- Get some rest.
- Even if you hire a full-service moving company to do all the work for you, moving is still stressful. And because it is such a tiring process, you can end forgetting to take a break. Before your moving day comes around, you’ll want to get some rest and recharge your energies for the big day!
- Enjoy the move.
- Regardless of the reason why you’re moving, don’t forget to enjoy the move to New York. Keep in mind that this is a new chapter in your life and you’ll experience lots of new things once you relocate!
Moving Services to Help You Relocate from Kentucky to New York
If this is your first time relocating, you may feel overwhelmed with all the different terms that are used in the moving industry. There are plenty of services offered by movers and you need to make sure that you are hiring a mover that offers all the services you need.
For instance, you may need to transport a piano — but not all movers offer this type of moving service. Hence why it’s so important that you know the types of moving services you can hire. Below we’ll explain 9 moving services to help you relocate from Kentucky to New York.
- Furniture Transportation
- A common type of moving service that is offered by every mover is furniture transportation. In some cases, buying new furniture at your new location may be more affordable, but moving furniture from Kentucky to New York is cheaper than buying new furniture.
- Residential Movers
- If you are moving from a house, you’ll need a residential mover. If you’re moving from an apartment, you’ll need an apartment mover. But if you’re transporting an office or business, you’ll need a different type of mover.
- Piano Transportation
- Because pianos are so heavy, it’s not unusual for people to think that they can’t transport these items. The reality is that there are multiple moving companies that can help you transport a piano from Kentucky to New York.
- Art and Antique Movers
- Art and antiques are considered fragile items, thus they require more care and attention during the relocation process. If you want to move art and antiques from Kentucky to New York, all you have to do is find a mover that specializes in this type of moving service.
- Hot Tub Movers
- Another bulky item you can transport is a hot tub. If you have one of these at home, you’ll probably want to bring it with you to your new home. Luckily, most moving companies will help you relocate a hot tub from Kentucky to New York!
- Pool Table Movers
- Like hot tubs and pianos, you can also transport a pool table to New York. The good news is that pool table moving is not as expensive as you may think it is. All you have to do is find the right mover!
- Officer Movers
- As we mentioned before, if you’re moving from a house or from an apartment, you’ll need residential or apartment movers. Now, if you’re moving an office from Kentucky to New York, you’ll need to hire office/commercial movers.
- Long-Distance Movers
- Moving from Kentucky to New York is considered a long-distance move. As such, you’ll need to hire movers who work with long-distance moving, as opposed to hiring local movers.
- Last-Minute Movers
- If you don’t book a mover in advance and leave it to the last minute, you’ll probably have to pay higher fees. However, there are situations in which your plans change suddenly and you have to move as soon as possible. In both cases, you’ll need to hire last-minute movers.