Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $1,858 in Washington. Overall, Kentucky runs roughly 53% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $121,984 in Washington — about 47% higher in Washington. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.5%
+0.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
None
+3.5 pp in Kentucky
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$1,858
+112% in Washington
Median Home Value
$221,500
$912,100
+312% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$121,984
+88% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.2°F
53.5°F
+4.7°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Washington?
- Kentucky is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $877 runs about 53% below Washington's $1,858, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in Washington?
- 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 $74,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or Washington?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Kentucky/Washington — 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.