Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than New Hampshire, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $77,415 in New Hampshire — about 16% higher in New Hampshire. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
None
+3.5 pp in Kentucky
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,150
+31% in New Hampshire
Median Home Value
$232,100
$336,300
+45% in New Hampshire
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$77,415
+20% in New Hampshire
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.0°F
49.2°F
+8.8°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or New Hampshire?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 24% below New Hampshire's $1,150, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in New Hampshire?
- 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 $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or New Hampshire?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Kentucky/New Hampshire — 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.