Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,705 in New York. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 49% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $79,713 in New York — about 19% higher in New York. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4%
+2.0 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
10.90%
+7.4 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,705
+94% in New York
Median Home Value
$221,500
$751,700
+239% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$79,713
+23% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
55.0°F
+3.2°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or New York?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 49% below New York's $1,705, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in New York?
- 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 $68,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or New York?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/New York — 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.