Planning your move to the Bluegrass State? You’re not alone! More than 110,000 people are moving to Kentucky annually. This is why its population has reached 4.5 million in 2024.
The economy of the Bluegrass State is also thriving with major sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics with a low unemployment rate of 4.9%. Kentucky also has a low cost of living of $2,467. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to KY:
| # | Reasons to Move to KY | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Kentucky is 8% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Bluegrass State aims to add 97,441 jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Business Friendly Environment | Kentucky ranks no. 1 for the lowest costs of doing business. |
1. Cost of Living in KY
The cost of living in Kentucky is 8% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Kentucky’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Louisville | $255,000 | $1,291 | $69.8 | $214.23 | $555 |
| Lexington | $326,892 | $1,298 | $68.1 | $204.07 | $563 |
| Bowling Green | $312,500 | $994 | $53.4 | $126.15 | $484 |
| Owensboro | $191,350 | $1,150 | $49.1 | $135.23 | $462 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Kentucky
Kentucky’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Bluegrass aims to add 97,441 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector is expected to add around 12,936 jobs, with a focus on positions like registered nurses and medical assistants. Major employers include the University of Kentucky Healthcare and Baptist Health.
- Manufacturing: Kentucky’s advanced manufacturing industry is set for growth, driven by expansions at companies like Toyota and Ford. By 2032, nearly 19,098 jobs are projected to be created in areas such as production technology and engineering.
- Logistics and Distribution: With its central location, Kentucky is a key logistics hub, particularly with facilities like UPS Worldport in Louisville. The logistics sector anticipates adding 24,933 jobs by 2032.
- Education and Training: The state aims to create 6,820 new jobs in education by 2032. Key opportunities will be in primary and secondary teaching and educational administration.
3. Business-Friendly Environment
Kentucky’s central location makes it an ideal place for businesses. It is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, which means companies can easily reach a large market. With 20 interstates and major highways, along with railroads and rivers for shipping, businesses can transport goods efficiently.
Additionally, Kentucky ranks no. 1 for the lowest costs of doing business. The state has some of the lowest electricity costs, which further reduces expenses for businesses. KY also offers free workforce training programs, having trained over 95,000 individuals and supported more than 5,000 companies.
Cost of Moving to Kentucky 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to KY:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $333 to $2,975
Moving to Kentucky involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- KY moving service typically costs $90 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Kentucky.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Kentucky.
- When relocating to Kentucky, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in KY is around $465/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Kentucky. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in KY is $21. A standard title fee costs around $6.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Bluegrass State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Owensboro the average rent ranges between $900 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Kentucky, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Kentucky in your budget. Popular cities like Williamsburg have a median home price of $340K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Madisonville is $196K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Kentucky ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to KY, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Kentucky neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
