Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 19% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $71,900 in Oregon — about 10% higher in Oregon. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
9.90%
+6.4 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,080
+23% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$232,100
$435,400
+88% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$71,900
+11% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.0°F
53.0°F
+5.0°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Oregon?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 19% below Oregon's $1,080, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Oregon?
- 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 $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Oregon?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Kentucky/Oregon — 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.