Moving from New Jersey to Kentucky
Moving from New Jersey to Kentucky covers about 698 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistNJ vs KY at a Glance
Income Tax
Sales Tax
Time Zone
Distance
Moving Cost
Professional move, 2–3 BR home. Summer +20–30%.
What This Move Means for You
Lower cost of living
Kentucky is about 22% cheaper than New Jersey overall, so your budget should stretch noticeably further — especially on housing.
Lower income tax
Kentucky's top income tax rate (~3.5%) is lower than New Jersey's (~10.75%), leaving a little more in each paycheck.
Lower property taxes
Kentucky's effective property tax rate (0.74%) is lower than New Jersey's (1.88%) — a plus if you're buying a home.
Before You Leave New Jersey
File Form NJ-1040 as a part-year resident
New Jersey has no separate part-year form. File Form NJ-1040 and enter the dates of your residency. Report only the income you received while you lived here. File if your income for the whole year was over $10,000. The limit is $20,000 for joint or head of household filers. If you get New Jersey income after you move, also file Form NJ-1040NR.
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, Part-Year ResidentsSurrender your New Jersey plates and keep the receipt
Surrender New Jersey plates you no longer use. For a move, do this after you register the vehicle in your new state. Bring the plates to any MVC agency, or use the drop box outside. You can also mail them to an agency with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. MVC mails you a receipt. Keep it in case MVC links charges to the plates later.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, PlatesExpect a suspension notice if you cancel insurance first
Insurers tell MVC when you drop a policy on a New Jersey vehicle. MVC can then send a suspension notice. To resolve it, send MVC your plate surrender receipt. You can also send proof that the vehicle is registered in another state.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Uninsured Motorist Enforcement FAQsPlan for the 2% estimated tax if you sell your home after you move
A nonresident who sells New Jersey real property must make an estimated income tax payment at or before closing. The payment is at least 2% of the sale price, even if you have no gain. A home that meets the federal principal residence rules (26 U.S.C. 121) can qualify for an exemption on Form GIT/REP-3.
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, TB-57(R) Nonresident Sales of Real PropertyPay any MVC insurance surcharges you still owe
Moving out of state does not cancel MVC insurance surcharges. You still owe surcharges for offenses from when you drove as a New Jersey motorist.
Source: NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, Frequently Asked QuestionsYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 698 miles (~12.5 hours), you can drive a rental truck or hire movers — compare both. If you drive, plan an overnight stop and factor in fuel and lodging.
4 Weeks Before
Notify your utility providers, update your address with USPS, and begin packing non-essential items.
1 Week Before
Confirm with your movers, finish packing, clean your home, and prepare a moving day essentials bag.
Moving Day
Supervise loading, do a final walkthrough of your old home, and hand over the keys.
After the Move
Update your driver's license at the Kentucky DMV, register to vote in KY, and set up your new utilities.
Free to use — $2.99 to print
Climate Comparison
New Jersey
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Kentucky
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Utilities & Cost of Living
New Jersey
Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from New Jersey to Kentucky?
The driving distance from New Jersey to Kentucky is approximately 698 miles — about 12.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from New Jersey to Kentucky?
A professional interstate move from New Jersey to Kentucky typically costs between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on the size of your home and time of year.
- Summer moves (May–September) tend to cost 20–30% more.
What is the cost of living difference between New Jersey and Kentucky?
New Jersey has a cost of living index of 118.8 versus 92.5 for Kentucky (US average = 100).
- Overall, Kentucky is about 22% lower than New Jersey.
How do property taxes compare between New Jersey and Kentucky?
New Jersey's effective property tax rate is about 1.88%, versus 0.74% in Kentucky.
- On a typical home that difference lowers your annual holding costs, so factor it in if you plan to buy.
How soon do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Kentucky?
After establishing residency in Kentucky, you have 30 days to update your driver's license at a Kentucky DMV office.
- Vehicle registration is a separate transaction with its own deadline, which in most states differs from the license deadline — confirm both with the Kentucky DMV before you go.
What is the climate like in Kentucky?
Kentucky has humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- The annual average temperature is 56°F, with about 46 inches of precipitation per year.
- Average monthly electricity bills run around $134.