Delaware vs Kentucky Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Delaware
$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 | Delaware | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 102.3 | 74.8 | +37% |
| Groceries | 101.3 | 99.8 | +2% |
| Utilities | 97.6 | 88.0 | +11% |
| Transportation | 100.6 | 96.0 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 103.9 | 93.5 | +11% |
| Dining & Misc | 106.3 | 101.9 | +4% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 91.5 | +13% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Delaware.
What things actually cost
| Item | Delaware | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $340,000 | $195,000 | +$145,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,432/mo | $1,047/mo | +$385 |
| Gas price | $3.38/gal | $3.16/gal | +$0.22 |
| Electric bill | $120/mo | $89/mo | +$31 |
| Infant childcare | $16,220/yr | $8,756/yr | +$7,464 |
Salary equivalent: Delaware → Kentucky
What a Delaware salary buys you in Kentucky, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Delaware | Equivalent in Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,374 | +$5,626 |
| $75,000 | $66,562 | +$8,438 |
| $100,000 | $88,749 | +$11,251 |
| $150,000 | $133,123 | +$16,877 |
| $200,000 | $177,498 | +$22,502 |
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
Delaware is 13% more expensive than Kentucky overall. Delaware has an index of 103.1 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Delaware or Kentucky?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Delaware is 13% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $195,000 in Kentucky.
Is Kentucky cheaper than Delaware?
Yes, Kentucky is 13% cheaper than Delaware overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Delaware more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes, Delaware is 13% 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 Delaware?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Delaware, you would need approximately $88,749 in Kentucky. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 91.5).
How do housing costs compare between Delaware and Kentucky?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $340,000 in Delaware vs $195,000 in Kentucky — a $145,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,432/mo vs $1,047/mo.
What costs more in Delaware vs Kentucky?
Housing is 37% higher in Delaware (index 102.3 vs 74.8). Healthcare is 11% higher in Delaware (index 103.9 vs 93.5). Utilities is 11% higher in Delaware (index 97.6 vs 88).
Is gas cheaper in Delaware or Kentucky?
Gas averages $3.38/gallon in Delaware and $3.16/gallon in Kentucky — a $0.22 difference per gallon.
Delaware vs Kentucky cost of living — how do they compare?
Delaware has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Kentucky has 91.5 (national average = 100). Delaware is 13% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Delaware and Kentucky?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Delaware has no state sales tax, making it popular for shopping, and uses a progressive income tax up to 6.60%. Kentucky has a flat income tax rate of 3.50% for 2026, reduced from 4.00% in 2025. Use the Delaware 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 Delaware and Kentucky?
Delaware 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
- Delaware Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Delaware vs Kentucky Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Delaware — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- Delaware Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Delaware Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Kentucky Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Delaware 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.