Illinois vs Kentucky Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$78,947
in Illinois
$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 | Illinois | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 84.3 | 74.8 | +13% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 99.8 | 0% |
| Utilities | 99.0 | 88.0 | +13% |
| Transportation | 100.5 | 96.0 | +5% |
| Healthcare | 104.1 | 93.5 | +11% |
| Dining & Misc | 98.7 | 101.9 | -3% |
| Overall | 95.0 | 91.5 | +4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Illinois.
What things actually cost
| Item | Illinois | Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $260,000 | $195,000 | +$65,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,180/mo | $1,047/mo | +$133 |
| Gas price | $3.60/gal | $3.16/gal | +$0.44 |
| Electric bill | $108/mo | $89/mo | +$19 |
| Infant childcare | $16,107/yr | $8,756/yr | +$7,351 |
Salary equivalent: Illinois → Kentucky
What a Illinois salary buys you in Kentucky, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Illinois | Equivalent in Kentucky | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $48,158 | +$1,842 |
| $75,000 | $72,237 | +$2,763 |
| $100,000 | $96,316 | +$3,684 |
| $150,000 | $144,474 | +$5,526 |
| $200,000 | $192,632 | +$7,368 |
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
Illinois is 4% more expensive than Kentucky overall. Illinois has an index of 95 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Kentucky?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Illinois is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $195,000 in Kentucky.
Is Kentucky cheaper than Illinois?
Yes, Kentucky is 4% cheaper than Illinois overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Illinois more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes, Illinois is 4% 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 Illinois?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Illinois, you would need approximately $96,316 in Kentucky. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (95 vs 91.5).
How do housing costs compare between Illinois and Kentucky?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $260,000 in Illinois vs $195,000 in Kentucky — a $65,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,180/mo vs $1,047/mo.
What costs more in Illinois vs Kentucky?
Utilities is 13% higher in Illinois (index 99 vs 88). Healthcare is 11% higher in Illinois (index 104.1 vs 93.5). Housing is 13% higher in Illinois (index 84.3 vs 74.8).
Is gas cheaper in Illinois or Kentucky?
Gas averages $3.60/gallon in Illinois and $3.16/gallon in Kentucky — a $0.44 difference per gallon.
Illinois vs Kentucky cost of living — how do they compare?
Illinois has an overall cost-of-living index of 95 and Kentucky has 91.5 (national average = 100). Illinois is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kentucky?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Illinois 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
- Illinois Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Illinois vs Kentucky Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Illinois — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- 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.