Best Tennessee to Kentucky Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Tennessee to Kentucky and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 296 mile TN to KY move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 101 Tennessee to Kentucky moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Alpha Moving & Storage LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Tennessee compared to Kentucky. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Tennessee to Kentucky Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Alpha Moving & Storage LLC9.419.29Authorized For HHG
2Boundless Moving & Storage9.349.36Authorized For Property, HHG
3Rice's Professional Moving Service9.309.61Authorized For Property
4From Here to There9.178.82Authorized For Property, HHG
5Two Men And A Truck9.158.43Authorized For Property, HHG
6Smooth Move Relocation Services9.109.64Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Tennessee to Kentucky?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 296 miles from Tennessee to Kentucky will cost on average $2,033 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom TN to KY move is roughly $4,859. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Tennessee and dropoff in Kentucky as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Tennessee to Kentucky movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,370300 ft³$4.57
1 Bedroom$2,033450 ft³$4.52
2 Bedrooms$3,351750 ft³$4.47
3 Bedrooms$4,8591100 ft³$4.42
4 Bedrooms$6,9881600 ft³$4.37
5+ Bedrooms$7,7721800 ft³$4.32
*Please note: These Tennessee to Kentucky moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & Kentucky. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed TN to KY mover.
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Compare the 6 Best TN to KY Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC Logo

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

Exceptional9.41/10
based on 724+ data points

605 Providence Blvd

Clarksville, TN, 37042

About Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

You can’t trust just anyone with your household belongings. That’s where Alpha Moving & Storage comes in. This company, founded in...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Short-Term Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3378094 / 1193307

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Boundless Moving & Storage Logo

Boundless Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,230+ data points

5595 N. Lee Hwy

Cleveland, TN, 37312

About Boundless Moving & Storage

Boundless Moving is a local, family-owned moving company near Chattanooga, TN. Established in 2015, it is located in Cleveland and offers...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2798532 / 934519

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved358,520 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Rice's Professional Moving Service Logo

Rice's Professional Moving Service

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 599+ data points

221 Dorothy Jordan Ave

Gallatin, TN, 37066

About Rice's Professional Moving Service

Rice's Professional Moving Services is a locally-owned, licensed, and insured full-service moving company that customizes each move to accommodate clients' specific...

Services

  • Residential Move
  • Local Move
  • Commercial Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3941233 / 1463771

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved2,500 (2022)
View Full Review
3
From Here to There Logo

From Here to There

Exceptional9.17/10
based on 614+ data points

Lexington, KY, 40507

About From Here to There

From Here to There is a local moving and logistics company based in Lexington, Kentucky, established by long-time friends with extensive...

Services

  • Residential Move
  • Long-Distance/Interstate Moves
  • Commercial/Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3481118 / 1254688

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,500 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Two Men And A Truck Logo

Two Men And A Truck

Exceptional9.15/10
based on 263+ data points

Cookeville, TN, 38501

About Two Men And A Truck

With more than 35 years in the business, "Two Men And A Truck" is a national moving company known for its...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Junk Removal
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1108883 / 483210

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans25
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved385,784 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Smooth Move Relocation Services Logo

Smooth Move Relocation Services

Exceptional9.10/10
based on 2,201+ data points

1132 Cherevilla Ln

Cincinnati, OH, 45238

About Smooth Move Relocation Services

Smooth Move Relocation Services is a moving company based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that has been serving clients since 2000. They offer...

Services

  • Affordable local and long distance moving
  • Packing and Boxes
  • Insurance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1878284 / 781353

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved24,500 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

Relocating from Tennessee to Kentucky can be a monumental decision, impacting various facets of your life. This balanced comparison aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes between Tennessee and Kentucky . By examining the pros and cons, you'll gain a clear picture to help guide your decision.

CONs
PROs
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • High humidity levels
  • Traffic in cities
  • Lack of horse races
  • High sales tax
  • Limited bourbon options
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Less summer humidity
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Home to the Derby
  • Lower sales tax
  • Rich bourbon heritage
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Lacks BBQ variety
  • Colder winters
  • Less music spotlight
  • Job markets limited
  • No large mountains
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Great BBQ scene
  • Warm winters
  • Country music hub
  • Dynamic job market
  • Smoky Mountains

While Tennessee boasts the rich culture of Nashville and barbecue-rich hubs like Memphis, not to mention the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Kentucky offers a distinct charm. Lexington and Louisville are known for their horse racing scene, most notably the Kentucky Derby. Louisville, in particular, provides a deep dive into America's bourbon world with destinations like the Bourbon Trail. If you enjoy outdoor activities, Kentucky's spacious parks and waterways offer a refreshing change from Tennessee's warmer climate. Neighborhood spots like Cherokee Park in Louisville and Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, offer serene escapes that are ideal for weekend getaways.

Tennessee vs. Kentucky Food Guide

When considering a move, the local food scene is a vibrant part of understanding the cultural fabric of your new home. By highlighting the differences in the local cuisine between Tennessee & Kentucky , this comparison aims to give you a better grasp of where you’ll be dining and living soon.

Tennessee
Kentucky
Most iconic local food item
Memphis BBQ
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Most popular meat dish
Hot Chicken
Burgoo
Most popular street food item
Gourmet hotdogs
Hot Brown sandwich
Most popular vegan food
BBQ Jackfruit
Seitan “fried chicken”
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Central BBQ
  • Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
  • Chez Philippe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Tennessee, you'll discover the smoky goodness of Memphis BBQ notably at places like Central BBQ. Hot chicken has also carved out its niche in Tennessee's culinary world, reaching its zenith in eateries such as Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. On the other side, Kentucky's iconic contribution to the culinary world is undeniably its signature Kentucky Fried Chicken, though lesser-known dishes like Burgoo, a savory stew, make up its culinary backbone. Places like Clark’s House of Burgoo in Kentucky provide a taste of this traditional dish. Both states offer bustling street food scenes, Tennessee with gourmet hotdogs and Kentucky with the renowned Hot Brown sandwich, a testament to their diverse and rich food cultures.

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Tennessee vs. Kentucky Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, it's vital to examine the Real Estate landscape. This comparison will highlight the differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle between Tennessee and Kentucky, giving you a better understanding of what to expect in your new home state.

Tennessee
Kentucky
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial, Craftsman
Colonial, Ranch
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious layouts, Natural scenery
Outdoor space, Proximity to nature

The notable difference in median home prices and rent between Tennessee and Kentucky can significantly impact your budget, with Tennessee being slightly more expensive. Tennessee's favored Colonial and Craftsman architectural styles reflect its rich history and cultural heritage, offering a variety of designs for potential homeowners. Meanwhile, Kentucky's preference for Ranch-style homes caters to those seeking a more grounded and practical living experience, often accompanied by ample outdoor space. Both states boast a close connection to nature but differ in urban lifestyle scores, indicating Tennessee's slightly more vibrant city life. This detailed comparison should help you envision your life in either state more clearly, guiding your decision-making process in your upcoming move.

Tennessee vs. Kentucky Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another demands an understanding of new weather patterns you will be experiencing. This comparison will illustrate how the climate transitions from Tennessee to Kentucky, focusing on average temperatures, sunshine, and more, helping you adjust smoothly to your new environment.

Tennessee
Kentucky
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Floods
Tornadoes, Ice Storms
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89/69
87/67
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

49/30
41/23


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

54
50
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

5
22


While both Tennessee and Kentucky enjoy a significant number of sunny days annually, you'll notice a slight decrease as you move into Kentucky. Winter temperatures in Kentucky also trend colder than Tennessee, matched with a higher annual snowfall—something to keep in mind if you're not used to dealing with frequent snow. The similar trends in summer temperatures and humidity mean your summer experiences should transition smoothly. However, the increased potential for ice storms in Kentucky could be a new winter challenge.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

When considering a move from Tennessee to Kentucky, understanding financial differences between the two states is crucial. This comparison will illuminate how Tennessee and Kentucky's economic landscapes vary, affecting aspects from taxation to average income and living costs. It’s an essential step for managing your expectations and budget accordingly.

Tennessee
Kentucky
Avg. Household Income
$65,254
$59,341
Cost of Living Index
88.9
87.8
State Income Tax
1.0 (Hall Tax- Interest and dividends only, phasing out)
5.0
Avg. Property Tax
0.64
0.86
Avg. Sales Tax
9.55
6.00
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail Trade
Automotive Manufacturing, Energy Fuel Production, Agriculture
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate to Low
Poverty
High
High
Homelessness
Moderate
Moderate to High

Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky, you'll find subtle differences in the cost of living and taxation that may affect your financial planning. For instance, Tennessee enjoys a slightly higher average household income but compensates with a substantially higher average sales tax. Kentucky, on the other hand, has a state income tax which Tennessee lacks, affecting your net income. Additionally, the shift in leading industries between the states could influence job opportunities relevant to your skills and interests. Deciphering these nuances is vital for a seamless transition and setting realistic expectations about your new life in Kentucky.

Tennessee vs. Kentucky Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Tennessee to Kentucky, it's important to get a quick snapshot of how the two states compare. This guide offers a brief overview, focusing on a comparison of the politics between Tennessee & Kentucky along with insights into the religious landscape. Understanding these aspects can help you better acclimate to your new surroundings.

Tennessee
Kentucky
Political Make-up
Lean towards Republican
Traditionally Democratic, but has leaned towards Republican in recent years
Local Politics
Major cities lean Democrat, rural areas lean Republican
Rural areas strongly Republican, urban areas have a more mixed political landscape
Religion
Protestant majority, with a significant Evangelical influence
Protestant majority, with a strong Baptist presence

In both Tennessee and Kentucky, the political and religious landscapes are somewhat similar, yet each has its unique characteristics. Tennessee's political environment shows a clear division between urban and rural areas, a common trait in many states. However, it’s noteworthy that major cities in Tennessee, such as Nashville and Memphis, tend to lean more towards the Democratic side, reflecting a diverse populace. In contrast, Kentucky's shift towards the Republican side in recent years reflects a changing political landscape, though its cities, like Louisville, present a mix of political leanings. Religion plays a central role in both states' cultural identities, with Protestantism being predominant. The Evangelical influence in Tennessee and the strong Baptist presence in Kentucky are indicators of the region's deep-rooted religious traditions.

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Kentucky

When considering a move from Tennessee to Kentucky, it's important to weigh the educational opportunities available for your family. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Tennessee and Kentucky, focusing on a range of criteria from where most seniors go to college, to the top-performing schools across various levels.

TennesseeKentucky

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lipscomb Elementary (Brentwood)
Walton Ferry Elementary (Hendersonville)
A. B. Hill Elementary (Memphis)
Greathouse/Shryock Traditional Elementary (Louisville)
Rosa Parks Elementary (Lexington)
Beechwood Elementary (Fort Mitchell)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Meigs Magnet Middle School (Nashville)
Brentwood Middle School (Brentwood)
Houston Middle School (Germantown)
Barret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
North Oldham Middle School (Goshen)

Top 3 High School Schools

Hume-Fogg Academic High School (Nashville)
Brentwood High School (Brentwood)
Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro)
DuPont Manual High School (Louisville)
Beechwood High School (Fort Mitchell)
Highlands High School (Fort Thomas)

Top 3 private high schools

Baylor School (Chattanooga)
Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville)
Harpeth Hall School (Nashville)
St. Xavier High School (Louisville)
Trinity High School (Louisville)
Lexington Catholic High School (Lexington)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Webb School (Bell Buckle)
University School of Nashville (Nashville)
Franklin Classical School (Franklin)
The Lexington School (Lexington)
Sayre School (Lexington)
Louisville Collegiate School (Louisville)

Top 3 School Districts

Williamson County Schools
Rutherford County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Oldham County Schools
Beechwood Independent School District
Fort Thomas Independent Schools

Understanding the educational landscape is crucial for families moving from Tennessee to Kentucky. Tennessee boasts several highly ranked institutions like the University of Tennessee and Vanderbilt University that draw a significant number of high school graduates each year. Similarly, Kentucky is home to esteemed universities such as the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. At the K-12 level, both states offer robust educational programs with schools like Tennessee's Brentwood Middle School and Kentucky's Beechwood High School standing out for their excellence. Private education also presents strong options, with the Baylor School in Tennessee and St. Xavier High School in Kentucky noted for their comprehensive programs. These examples reflect just a fraction of the educational quality and diversity in both states, ensuring relocating families can find fitting options for their children’s needs.

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