Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $877 in Kentucky versus $668 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Kentucky, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,731 in Kentucky and $64,512 in West Virginia. Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
3.50%
4.82%
+1.3 pp in West Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$877
$668
+24% in Kentucky
Median Home Value
$232,100
$187,300
+19% in Kentucky
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,731
$64,512
+0% in Kentucky
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
58.0°F
55.7°F
+2.3°F in Kentucky
Kentucky vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $668 runs about 24% below Kentucky's $877, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Kentucky than in West 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 $27,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Kentucky or West Virginia?
- Kentucky has a top state income tax rate of 3.50% and a 6% state sales tax. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Kentucky/West 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.