Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $841 in Mississippi. Overall, Mississippi runs roughly 4% cheaper on rent than Kentucky, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $44,140 in Mississippi — about 32% higher in Kentucky. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
7%
+1.0 pp in Mississippi
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
4.00%
+0.5 pp in Mississippi
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$841
+4% in Kentucky
Median Home Value
$232,100
$153,600
+34% in Kentucky
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$44,140
+32% in Kentucky
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.0°F
66.1°F
+8.1°F in Mississippi
Kentucky vs Mississippi — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Mississippi?
- Mississippi is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $841 runs about 4% below Kentucky's $877, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Mississippi?
- 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 $34,000 in Mississippi.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Mississippi?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Kentucky/Mississippi — 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.