Alabama vs Kentucky Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$85,131
in Alabama
$81,967
in Kentucky
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Alabama | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 71.2 | 74.8 | -5% |
| Groceries | 97.5 | 99.8 | -2% |
| Utilities | 98.0 | 88.0 | +11% |
| Transportation | 90.5 | 96.0 | -6% |
| Healthcare | 91.2 | 93.5 | -2% |
| Dining & Misc | 95.1 | 101.9 | -7% |
| Overall | 88.1 | 91.5 | -4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alabama.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alabama | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $220,000 | $195,000 | +$25,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $997/mo | $1,047/mo | $50 |
| Gas price | $3.13/gal | $3.16/gal | $0.03 |
| Electric bill | $105/mo | $89/mo | +$16 |
| Infant childcare | $7,871/yr | $8,756/yr | $885 |
Salary equivalent: Alabama → Kentucky
What a Alabama salary buys you in Kentucky, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alabama | Equivalent in Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,930 | $-1,930 |
| $75,000 | $77,894 | $-2,894 |
| $100,000 | $103,859 | $-3,859 |
| $150,000 | $155,789 | $-5,789 |
| $200,000 | $207,719 | $-7,719 |
Positive = your money goes further in Kentucky. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Kentucky is 4% more expensive than Alabama overall. Kentucky has an index of 91.5 vs 88.1 for Alabama (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Kentucky?
Alabama is cheaper to live in. Kentucky is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $220,000 in Alabama vs $195,000 in Kentucky.
Is Alabama cheaper than Kentucky?
Yes, Alabama is 4% cheaper than Kentucky overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Kentucky more expensive than Alabama?
Yes, Kentucky is 4% more expensive than Alabama based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Kentucky equals $100,000 in Alabama?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alabama, you would need approximately $103,859 in Kentucky. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (88.1 vs 91.5).
How do housing costs compare between Alabama and Kentucky?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $220,000 in Alabama vs $195,000 in Kentucky — a $25,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $997/mo vs $1,047/mo.
What costs more in Alabama vs Kentucky?
Utilities is 11% higher in Alabama (index 98 vs 88). Dining & Misc is 7% lower in Alabama (index 95.1 vs 101.9). Transportation is 6% lower in Alabama (index 90.5 vs 96).
Is gas cheaper in Alabama or Kentucky?
Gas averages $3.13/gallon in Alabama and $3.16/gallon in Kentucky — a $0.03 difference per gallon.
Alabama vs Kentucky cost of living — how do they compare?
Alabama has an overall cost-of-living index of 88.1 and Kentucky has 91.5 (national average = 100). Kentucky is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Kentucky?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Alabama allows a full deduction of federal income taxes paid on state returns, which is unusual among states. Kentucky has a flat income tax rate of 3.50% for 2026, reduced from 4.00% in 2025. Use the Alabama vs Kentucky paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Alabama and Kentucky?
Alabama requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Kentucky requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Alabama Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alabama vs Kentucky Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alabama — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- Alabama Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alabama Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Kentucky Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Alabama Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Kentucky Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.