Moving from Virginia to Kentucky
Moving from Virginia to Kentucky covers about 510 miles — a mid-distance interstate move. Whether you drive a rental truck or hire movers, this checklist keeps every step on track.
Generate My ChecklistVA 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
Modest cost-of-living shift
Overall costs in Kentucky are about 7% lower than in Virginia — enough to notice on housing, but not a dramatic change.
Lower income tax
Kentucky's top income tax rate (~3.5%) is lower than Virginia's (~5.75%), leaving a little more in each paycheck.
Before You Leave Virginia
Surrender the plates before you cancel the insurance
Do not cancel your Virginia insurance before you surrender your Virginia plates. If you want to cancel the policy, wait until you have coverage from another insurer. You can surrender the plates to DMV online. DMV also asks you to mail the plates back after you register the car in your new state. Mailing them is not required, but it prevents fraudulent use of the plates.
Source: Virginia DMV, Leaving VirginiaClaim a refund and stop the local car tax
You may be eligible for a refund if six full months or more remain on your registration. Mail the Vehicle Registration Refund Application (FMS 210) with your plates. Also notify the Commissioner of the Revenue or Director of Finance in the locality you are leaving. This stops the locality from assessing personal property tax on your vehicle. If the vehicle is leased, tell the leasing company you moved.
Source: Virginia DMV, Leaving VirginiaFile Form 760PY for the year you move
You are a part-year resident if you move out of Virginia during the year to become a resident of another state. Part-year residents usually file Form 760PY. You prorate your personal exemptions and standard deduction, and you subtract your non-Virginia income. If you lived in Virginia for 183 days or less that year, you can file as a nonresident on Form 763 instead. If you move out and return within six months, Virginia generally treats you as not having established residency elsewhere.
Source: Virginia Tax, Residency StatusRent from a house you kept means a Form 763 return
Income from the rental or sale of Virginia real estate is Virginia source income. So are wages for work done in Virginia. A nonresident with Virginia source income files Form 763. In the year you move, you may need two returns. File Form 760PY for the months you lived in Virginia. File Form 763 for Virginia source income you got after you moved. Interest from a Virginia bank account is not Virginia source income. Neither is a pension paid by a Virginia payer.
Source: Virginia Tax, Residency StatusYour Moving Timeline
8 Weeks Before
At about 510 miles (~9.5 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.
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Climate Comparison
Virginia
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Kentucky
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Utilities & Cost of Living
Virginia
Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Virginia to Kentucky?
The driving distance from Virginia to Kentucky is approximately 510 miles — about 9.5 hours of driving at highway speeds.
How much does it cost to move from Virginia to Kentucky?
A professional interstate move from Virginia 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 Virginia and Kentucky?
Virginia has a cost of living index of 99.1 versus 92.5 for Kentucky (US average = 100).
- Overall, Kentucky is about 7% lower than Virginia.
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.