Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $889 in Montana. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 1% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $71,855 in Montana — about 10% higher in Montana. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
5.65%
+2.2 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$889
+1% in Montana
Median Home Value
$232,100
$311,800
+34% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$71,855
+11% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.0°F
48.2°F
+9.8°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Montana?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 1% below Montana's $889, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Montana?
- 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 $36,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Montana?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Kentucky/Montana — 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.