Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,170 in Texas. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 25% cheaper on rent than Texas, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $67,043 in Texas — about 3% higher in Texas. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.25%
+0.3 pp in Texas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
None
+3.5 pp in Kentucky
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,170
+33% in Texas
Median Home Value
$221,500
$264,900
+20% in Texas
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$67,043
+4% in Texas
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
67.2°F
+9.0°F in Texas
Kentucky vs Texas — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Texas?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 25% below Texas's $1,170, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Texas?
- 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 $47,000 in Texas.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Texas?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Texas has no state income tax and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/8 cities we track in Kentucky/Texas — 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.