Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,357 in Virginia. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $90,685 in Virginia — about 29% higher in Virginia. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5.3%
+0.7 pp in Kentucky
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
5.75%
+2.3 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,357
+55% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$221,500
$366,300
+65% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$90,685
+40% in Virginia
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
59.9°F
+1.7°F in Virginia
Kentucky vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Virginia?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 35% below Virginia's $1,357, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Virginia?
- 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 $54,000 in Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Virginia?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/Virginia — 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.