Kentucky vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,967
in Kentucky
$67,873
in New Hampshire
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 | Kentucky | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 74.8 | 115.6 | -35% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 99.4 | 0% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 115.9 | -24% |
| Transportation | 96.0 | 104.0 | -8% |
| Healthcare | 93.5 | 107.9 | -13% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.9 | 111.6 | -9% |
| Overall | 91.5 | 110.5 | -17% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kentucky.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kentucky | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $465,000 | $270,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,047/mo | $1,618/mo | $571 |
| Gas price | $3.16/gal | $3.42/gal | $0.26 |
| Electric bill | $89/mo | $183/mo | $93 |
| Infant childcare | $8,756/yr | $17,364/yr | $8,608 |
Salary equivalent: Kentucky → New Hampshire
What a Kentucky salary buys you in New Hampshire, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kentucky | Equivalent in New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $60,383 | $-10,383 |
| $75,000 | $90,574 | $-15,574 |
| $100,000 | $120,765 | $-20,765 |
| $150,000 | $181,148 | $-31,148 |
| $200,000 | $241,530 | $-41,530 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Hampshire. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New Hampshire is 17% more expensive than Kentucky overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or New Hampshire?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 17% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $465,000 in New Hampshire.
Is Kentucky cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, Kentucky is 17% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes, New Hampshire is 17% more expensive than Kentucky based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New Hampshire equals $100,000 in Kentucky?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kentucky, you would need approximately $120,765 in New Hampshire. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.5 vs 110.5).
How do housing costs compare between Kentucky and New Hampshire?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $465,000 in New Hampshire — a $270,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/mo vs $1,618/mo.
What costs more in Kentucky vs New Hampshire?
Housing is 35% lower in Kentucky (index 74.8 vs 115.6). Utilities is 24% lower in Kentucky (index 88 vs 115.9). Healthcare is 13% lower in Kentucky (index 93.5 vs 107.9).
Is gas cheaper in Kentucky or New Hampshire?
Gas averages $3.16/gallon in Kentucky and $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire — a $0.26 difference per gallon.
Kentucky vs New Hampshire cost of living — how do they compare?
Kentucky has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.5 and New Hampshire has 110.5 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 17% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and New Hampshire?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Kentucky has a flat income tax rate of 3.50% for 2026, reduced from 4.00% in 2025. New Hampshire has no tax on earned wages — your entire salary is free from state income tax. The state previously taxed interest and dividends at 5% but fully phased that out in January 2025. NH is one of only 9 states with no income tax on wages, making it popular with workers commuting from Massachusetts. Use the Kentucky vs New Hampshire 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 Kentucky and New Hampshire?
Kentucky requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kentucky Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Kentucky Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- New Hampshire 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.