Are you thinking about moving from Cincinnati to Louisville, KY? You aren’t the only one! The Louisville metro area is one of the top 5 destinations for people leaving Cincinnati with about 500 people making the move every year.
It’s easy to see why there is so much migration between these two cities. The Derby City and Queen City are both on the Ohio River with a Midwest-Southern culture and a history of river industry. Of course, Louisville offers different opportunities than Cincinnati and it may be time for a change.
Here’s everything you want to know about moving to Louisville, KY, differences you should prepare for, and how Cincinnati interstate movers can help.
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Table of Contents
What Is it Like Living in Louisville KY?
When you compare Cincinnati vs Louisville, you’ll find they have a lot in common. Both are major metro areas on the Ohio River with a somewhat gritty, industrial downtown area and a river industry past. They are both fairly liberal cities surrounded by conservative suburbs in states that are generally conservative too. They even have a similar cost of living. There are some differences to be aware of.
While living in Louisville, you’ll enjoy a more populated urban center. The population of Louisville vs Cincinnati is worth noting. Louisville has a population of 620,000 spread over 420 square miles in the consolidated city-county. The Louisville metro population is 1.4 million. By comparison, Cincinnati proper has a population of just 309,000 within 80 square miles with far greater population density. The Cincinnati metro population is 2.2 million.
Most Louisville attractions are located more centrally while Cincinnati is spread out with many “villages” and suburbs that have their own downtown areas, park systems, and attractions like the King’s Island theme park in Mason.
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Another difference between living in Louisville KY vs Cincinnati is the culture. Cincinnati is right at the cusp of “the South” and has a blended Midwest-Southern culture, but Louisville’s Southern culture is much more prominent. Many people remark on how friendly people are in Louisville – while the opposite is often said of Cincinnati.
There are some drawbacks you’ll need to get used to. When you compare the living in Louisville, KY pros and cons versus Cincinnati, you’ll find Cincinnati comes out ahead when it comes to sports and museums. Louisville has no major league sports teams – a huge downside of moving to Louisville, KY for sports fans.
The cost of living in Louisville KY vs Cincinnati is very similar. Rent is a little lower and Louisville home prices are a bit higher compared to Cincinnati, but consumer goods, utilities, and other living expenses are pretty close.
According to Doxo, Louisville residents pay an average of $1,795 per month in bills, 10% below the national average. Cincinnati residents pay almost the same but far less in utilities with higher average mortgage payments. The average mortgage payment is $1,008 in Louisville versus $1,227 in Cincinnati.
Taxes can make a big difference though. After moving to Louisville, you’ll probably pay less in taxes!
There are plenty of things to do in Louisville to fill your weekends. While the Cincinnati Zoo vs Louisville Zoo can’t compare, the city’s zoo is still fantastic. Horse racing is huge in Louisville with the Kentucky Derby held at the legendary Churchill Downs. Just across the river is the Falls of Ohio State Park, the largest Devonian fossil beds in the world!
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Benefits of Moving from Cincinnati to Louisville
Not sure if living in Louisville, Kentucky is the right choice for you? Whether you’re moving for employment, better amenities, family, or a lower cost of living, you’ll find subtle but important differences between the two cities.
Here are major living in Louisville, KY pros and cons versus Cincinnati to help you make your decision.
There is less violent crime in Louisville vs Cincinnati
While the cities have almost identical total crime rates about 95% above the national average, Louisville has 687 violent crimes per 100,000 compared to 893 in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati murder rate is more than double the Louisville murder rate of 14 per 100,000.
Louisville has a robust economy
While Cincinnati is the Midwest’s fastest-growing economic capital with many Fortune 500 companies and careers in management and finance, Louisville ranks just one spot behind. You’ll also find different opportunities with diverse jobs in Louisville.
Louisville ranked #8 for economic development with 32.2 economic development projects per capita. In 2020, the city brought in 41 new projects that added 2,200 new jobs. Top employers like UPS, Jefferson County Public Schools, Norton Healthcare, Humana, UofL Health, and Ford Motor Company with two plants offer many career options.
The average hourly wage in Louisville is $25.15 with median household income of $55,000 – well above the $42,700 median household income in Cincinnati.
Taxes are lower in Louisville, KY vs Cincinnati, OH
Most people pay less in taxes living in Louisville, Kentucky compared to Cincinnati – especially retirees.
The Louisville property tax rate is $10.44 per $1,000 of assessed value (market value). The Cincinnati property tax rate is more than double — $26.47 per $1,000 of market value!
Workers pay a Cincinnati local income tax rate of 1.8% plus Ohio income tax of up to 4.797%. In Louisville, there is a flat income tax rate of 2.2% plus Kentucky income taxes of up to 5%.
Sales tax in Louisville is 7% versus 7.8% in Cincinnati.
Louisville is a great place to retire with less taxes on retirement income compared to Ohio. Social Security income is not taxed in either state, but Kentucky exempts other forms of retirement income from 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions up to $31,110 per person.
Hiring Cincinnati to Louisville Movers
Ready to embark on a new chapter of your life? Moving from Cincinnati to Louisville doesn’t need to be a stressful and challenging experience. A licensed Cincinnati to Louisville moving company can handle the difficult aspects of your interstate move.
Here are just some reasons to hire professionals for your big move.
- Fast and efficient move with trained movers who execute a tailored moving day plan
- Partial and full packing and unpacking services save time, eliminate worry, and ensure your belongings make it in one piece
- No heavy lifting, bending, or loading
- No guesswork or logistical hurdles
- Storage at your origin or destination means you don’t need to move twice
- Easy move-in experience with furniture assembled and boxes unpacked
- You don’t need to drive a large moving truck on interstate highways and bridges (and you thought driving on the Brent Spence Bridge in a car was bad!)
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Why Bell Moving & Storage Is the Best Choice for Cincinnati to Louisville Movers
Moving is stressful enough without dealing with inexperienced movers, hidden charges, or damaged heirlooms. That’s why it pays to research Cincinnati to Louisville movers carefully ahead of your long-distance relocation.
Here are the most important things to look for when hiring movers.
- Licensed and insured to protect you if anything goes wrong
- Low claims rate
- Proven track record with years of experience in the moving industry
- Dedicated fleet of trucks for long-distance moves
- Level of service you need
- Positive reviews from past customers
- Background checked movers with experience
- Transparent, affordable rates without high upfront deposits, confusing terms, or hidden charges
Bell Moving & Storage is the dependable Cincinnati to Louisville moving company you’re looking for to give you the seamless, worry-free moving day you need. We have served the Ohio Valley area since 1922 with more than 100,000 satisfied customers and hundreds of 5-star reviews. As a Wheaton Van Lines agent for more than 30 years, our fully vetted team of movers are ready to handle your interstate Cincinnati to Louisville, KY move with professionalism and dependability.
Cincinnati to Louisville Moving Cost
As you contemplate moving to Kentucky, you probably have important questions about the cost. How much does it cost to move from Cincinnati to Louisville? Is it worth it to hire movers or should you do it yourself?
Ohio to Kentucky moving companies aren’t as expensive as you may think, especially compared to the cost and stress of weeks of packing and a long day of heavy lifting, repetitive bending, and driving a commercial vehicle.
Most interstate moves are flat-rate instead of hourly. Your moving cost will depend on the distance, how much you’re moving, the types of belongings, level of service you need, moving dates, storage needs, and number of movers necessary.
Get started today with a free, personalized moving quote from our Cincinnati to Louisville movers to find out your individual moving cost!
Cincinnati to Louisville Distance & Travel Info
With your belongings loaded on the truck and en route to your new home, there’s just one last step: getting yourself and the rest of the family to Louisville!
If you’re going to drive, the distance from Louisville KY to Cincinnati OH is 100 miles or about an hour and a half on I-71.
There are other ways to make the trip. You can take a Greyhound bus from Cincinnati to Louisville for about $30 one-way. A more expensive option is a flight from the Cincinnati International Airport (CVG) to Louisville International Airport (SDF). One-way flights are usually around $200.
Are you ready to experience Louisville life for yourself? Give the friendly Cincinnati long-distance movers at Bell Moving & Storage a call at 513-214-0593 for a free long distance moving quote from Cincinnati to Kentucky!
