Moving to Kentucky? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Kentucky is located in the southeastern region of the United States, and is known for its famous Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the world. The state is also known for other cultural factors such as bourbon production, bluegrass music and coal.

If you are considering moving to Kentucky, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Kentucky Facts:

1. Population: 4.509 million (2021)
2. Official Language: English
3. GDP Per Capita: $42,386 (2019)
4. Random Fact: Kentucky is the only US state that has rivers on three sides of the border – the Ohio, Mississippi and Big Sandy and Tug Fork rivers on the north, west and east respectively
5. Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68 

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Kentucky

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$3,600 – $5,800
Texas	$2,800 – $4,600
Florida	$3,000 – $5,000
New York	$3,500 – $5,700
Pennsylvania	$2,900 – $4,800
Illinois	$2,400 – $3,900
Ohio	$2,200 – $3,600
Georgia	$2,700 – $4,500
North Carolina	$2,500 – $4,200
Michigan	$2,600 – $4,400

2. Kentucky Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Kentucky varies greatly depending on the location. Generally, urban areas like downtown Louisville and Lexington have higher prices, with median home values around $200,000, while rural areas may have median home values closer to $100,000.

Monthly Rental Prices in Kentucky:

• 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $680+
• 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $600+
• 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $1,225+
• 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,130+ 

Kentucky Home Purchase Prices:

• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $1,600+
• Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $940+

Kentucky Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Kentucky compare with other cities around the globe.

• London is 70% more expensive 
• New York is 79.3% more expensive 
• Los Angeles is 71.5% more expensive 
• Toronto is 58.1% more expensive 
• Sydney is 63.7% more expensive 
• Paris is 52.6% more expensive  
• Dubai is 57.6% more expensive 

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

• Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Spare Room.
• Different Areas – Different Prices: Kentucky offers a diverse range of rental and house purchase prices, with a significant difference between the urban and rural areas. In urban areas like downtown Louisville and Lexington, the cost of living is higher, and median home values are around $200,000. These areas are bustling with activity, employment opportunities, and amenities, making them an attractive location for many.
  

3. Kentucky Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Kentucky is known for its traditional southern cuisine, with dishes like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and hot browns being popular favourites. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards farm-to-table dining and craft beer and bourbon production, with Kentucky being home to some of the world’s most famous bourbon distilleries such as Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.

• Inexpensive Restaurant: $12.00
•  Takeout Coffee: $3.00
•  Bottle of Coke: $2.25
•  1L of Milk: $0.70
•  Loaf of Bread: $3.10
•  12 Eggs: $2.50
•  1kg Chicken: $9.00
•  1kg Beef: $17.00
•  1kg Apples: $3.60
•  1kg White Rice: $3.50

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

• London restaurants are 41.7% more expensive and groceries are 7.6% cheaper than Kentucky.
• New York restaurants are 50.1% more expensive and groceries are 37.7% more expensive than Kentucky. 
• Los Angeles restaurants are 46.8% more expensive and groceries are 20.9% more expensive than Kentucky. 
• Toronto restaurants are 34% more expensive and groceries are 9.7% more expensive than Kentucky. 
• Sydney restaurants are 33.4% more expensive and groceries are 21% more expensive than Kentucky. 
• Paris restaurants are 30.1% more expensive and groceries are 19.7% more expensive than Kentucky. 
• Dubai restaurants are 30.2% more expensive and groceries are 26.8% cheaper than Kentucky.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

• Know Your Supermarkets: Kentucky has a thriving farmers’ market scene, with many communities offering weekly markets featuring fresh, locally grown produce and handmade crafts. In terms of supermarkets, there is a range of both cheap and expensive options available throughout the state, with discount chains like Aldi and Save-A-Lot catering to budget-conscious shoppers, while higher-end stores like Whole Foods and Kroger offer a wider variety of products at a premium price point.
• Find Cheap Eats: Kentucky has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Kentucky Alcohol Costs

Kentucky, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $3.25
• Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.00
• Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.80
• Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $2.60
• Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $9.80

How To Drink For Less in Kentucky:

• Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
• Take a look at Let’s Go Louisville.

5. Kentucky Transportation Fares

Public transportation in Kentucky is not as extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, with most cities offering limited bus services and some smaller towns lacking public transit altogether. However, many major cities like Louisville and Lexington have implemented bike-share programs and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft to help supplement public transportation options.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

• Adult single – $0.75
• One-day ticket – $2.50
• Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $5.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

• Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. 
• Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Kentucky

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

• Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
• AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
• Verizon: $80 a month 

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

• Pair of Jeans: $36.00
• Summer Dress: $15.00
• Running Shoes (Trainers): $84.00
• Business Shoes: $67.50
• Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $112.00
• Deodorant: $3.60
• Shampoo: $6.00
• Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $3.90
• Gym Membership: $25.00
• Movie (cinema) Ticket: $8.50

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Kentucky

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Kentucky. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Kentucky from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here. 

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Kentucky:

• Volkswagen Golf: $21,990+
• 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.90

Source: Numbeo, Expatistan

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Kentucky:

• Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpool World.
• Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Kentucky

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax in Kentucky is 6%, which applies to most goods and services purchased within the state. Additionally, there may be additional local sales taxes imposed by individual cities or counties, which can range from 0.5% to 3%, depending on the location.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Kentucky you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.  

10. Flight Costs from Kentucky

If you do make the move to Kentucky, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:

• London: $300
• New York: $80
• Los Angeles: $80
• Toronto: $150
• Vancouver: $180
• Dubai: $750
• Sydney: $560
• Melbourne: $670
• Cape Town: $1,200
• Hong Kong: $830

Other Tips on Moving to Kentucky:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Kentucky but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Kentucky Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Kentucky.

• Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
• Attend Local Events: Kentucky always has something going on. Have a look at Eventbrite.

12. Moving to Kentucky with a Family

Kentucky is generally considered a family-friendly location, with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural events, and affordable housing options. However, like any location, there are areas with higher crime rates, particularly in some of the larger urban areas. Overall, Kentucky’s crime rate is slightly higher than the national average, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes.

• New Parents (or parents to be): Free and paid antenatal classes and courses exist. Have a look at the University of Kentucky.
• Live in a Family-friendly Area: There are several family-friendly areas to live in Kentucky, depending on individual preferences and needs. Some of the most popular options include suburbs of Louisville, such as Prospect and Norton Commons, which offer good schools, parks, and a strong sense of community. Other areas to consider are Lexington, which boasts excellent schools and a low crime rate.
• Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Kentucky. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Kentucky for Work

While it is possible to move to Kentucky without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Kentucky has a diverse economy with several major industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The state is home to many automotive manufacturing plants, and the healthcare industry is also a significant employer, with several large hospitals and healthcare providers located throughout the state.

As of March 2022, the unemployment rate in Kentucky was 4.4%, which is slightly above the national average.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

• Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale.
• How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Kentucky from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Kentucky, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

• Size Comparison: Kentucky is similar in size to the state of Victoria.
• Join Expat Groups: Start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Kentucky from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Kentucky. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

• Size: Nova Scotia is similar in size to Kentucky.
• Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process.  Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Kentucky from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Kentucky. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

• Size: Kentucky is similar in size to Yorkshire and covers a similar land area of approximately 40,400 square miles.
• Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Kentucky, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Kentucky you can start by comparing moving quotes here.