Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,059 in Ohio. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 17% cheaper on rent than Ohio, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $65,327 in Ohio — about 1% higher in Ohio. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5.75%
+0.3 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
2.75%
+0.8 pp in Kentucky
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,059
+21% in Ohio
Median Home Value
$221,500
$234,500
+6% in Ohio
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$65,327
+1% in Ohio
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
52.7°F
+5.5°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs Ohio — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Ohio?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 17% below Ohio's $1,059, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Ohio?
- 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 $42,000 in Ohio.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Ohio?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Ohio has a top state income tax rate of 2.75% and a 5.75% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/Ohio — 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.