How Much Does It Cost to Move in Kentucky?
Kentucky moving costs are well below the national average. Local moves average $800. Louisville is the most expensive market at $850–950. Rural Kentucky moves can be as low as $600 for a 2-bedroom, but mover availability is limited outside metro areas.
Average Moving Costs in Kentucky — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $800 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $3,500 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $39/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $92/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in Kentucky
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($39/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense Kentucky cities can add $50–150.
Kentucky Moving Cost by City
Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages listed above.
- Louisville
- Lexington
- Bowling Green
- Owensboro
- Covington
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How much does it cost to move locally in Kentucky?
Local moves in Kentucky average $800 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $39/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from Kentucky cost?
Long-distance moves to or from Kentucky average $3,500 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in Kentucky?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $92/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in Kentucky?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in Kentucky. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in Kentucky are most expensive for moving?
Louisville and Lexington typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is Kentucky gaining or losing residents?
Kentucky is currently roughly flat on net migration.