Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 31% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $68,854 in Vermont — about 6% higher in Vermont. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
8.75%
+5.3 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,275
+45% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$232,100
$400,200
+72% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$68,854
+6% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.0°F
46.0°F
+12.0°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Vermont?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 31% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Vermont?
- 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 $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Vermont?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Kentucky/Vermont — 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.