Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $877 in Kentucky. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $64,731 in Kentucky — about 20% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax; Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
3.50%
+1.8 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$877
+23% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$456,000
$232,100
+49% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$64,731
+20% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
58.0°F
+5.5°F in Kentucky
Idaho vs Kentucky — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Kentucky?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 23% below Idaho's $1,133, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Idaho 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 $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $35,000 in Kentucky.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Kentucky?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% 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 1/3 cities we track in Idaho/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.