Alaska vs Kentucky Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$59,195
in Alaska
$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 | Alaska | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 123.6 | 74.8 | +65% |
| Groceries | 125.0 | 99.8 | +25% |
| Utilities | 156.5 | 88.0 | +78% |
| Transportation | 120.2 | 96.0 | +25% |
| Healthcare | 139.2 | 93.5 | +49% |
| Dining & Misc | 122.6 | 101.9 | +20% |
| Overall | 126.7 | 91.5 | +38% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Alaska.
What things actually cost
| Item | Alaska | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $195,000 | +$145,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,730/mo | $1,047/mo | +$683 |
| Gas price | $3.95/gal | $3.16/gal | +$0.79 |
| Electric bill | $196/mo | $89/mo | +$107 |
| Infant childcare | $20,943/yr | $8,756/yr | +$12,187 |
Salary equivalent: Alaska → Kentucky
What a Alaska salary buys you in Kentucky, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Alaska | Equivalent in Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $36,109 | +$13,891 |
| $75,000 | $54,163 | +$20,837 |
| $100,000 | $72,218 | +$27,782 |
| $150,000 | $108,327 | +$41,673 |
| $200,000 | $144,436 | +$55,564 |
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
Alaska is 38% more expensive than Kentucky overall. Alaska has an index of 126.7 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Alaska or Kentucky?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Alaska is 38% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $195,000 in Kentucky.
Is Kentucky cheaper than Alaska?
Yes, Kentucky is 38% cheaper than Alaska overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Alaska more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes, Alaska is 38% more expensive than Kentucky based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Kentucky equals $100,000 in Alaska?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Alaska, you would need approximately $72,218 in Kentucky. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (126.7 vs 91.5).
How do housing costs compare between Alaska and Kentucky?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $340,000 in Alaska vs $195,000 in Kentucky — a $145,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,730/mo vs $1,047/mo.
What costs more in Alaska vs Kentucky?
Utilities is 78% higher in Alaska (index 156.5 vs 88). Housing is 65% higher in Alaska (index 123.6 vs 74.8). Healthcare is 49% higher in Alaska (index 139.2 vs 93.5).
Is gas cheaper in Alaska or Kentucky?
Gas averages $3.95/gallon in Alaska and $3.16/gallon in Kentucky — a $0.79 difference per gallon.
Alaska vs Kentucky cost of living — how do they compare?
Alaska has an overall cost-of-living index of 126.7 and Kentucky has 91.5 (national average = 100). Alaska is 38% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Kentucky?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Alaska vs Kentucky paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Alaska Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Alaska vs Kentucky Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Alaska — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- Alaska Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Alaska Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- 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.