Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,019 in Louisiana. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 14% cheaper on rent than Louisiana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $55,339 in Louisiana — about 15% higher in Kentucky. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5%
+1.0 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
3.00%
+0.5 pp in Kentucky
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,019
+16% in Louisiana
Median Home Value
$221,500
$296,400
+34% in Louisiana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$55,339
+15% in Kentucky
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
70.6°F
+12.4°F in Louisiana
Kentucky vs Louisiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Louisiana?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 14% below Louisiana's $1,019, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Louisiana?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $35,000 a year in Kentucky versus $41,000 in Louisiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Louisiana?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/Louisiana — 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.