Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,440 in Oregon. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $88,792 in Oregon — about 27% 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
$1,440
+64% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$221,500
$557,600
+152% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$88,792
+37% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
54.5°F
+3.7°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 39% below Oregon's $1,440, 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 $58,000 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 1/1 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.