Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $877 in Kentucky. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $64,731 in Kentucky — about 24% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
6%
+3.1 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
3.50%
+0.9 pp in Colorado
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$877
+33% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$221,500
+62% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$64,731
+24% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
58.2°F
+8.0°F in Kentucky
Colorado vs Kentucky — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Kentucky?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 33% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado than in Kentucky?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $35,000 in Kentucky.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Kentucky?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Colorado/Kentucky — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.