Kentucky vs North Carolina Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,967
in Kentucky
$76,609
in North Carolina
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 | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 74.8 | 94.0 | -20% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 99.0 | +1% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 94.7 | -7% |
| Transportation | 96.0 | 92.2 | +4% |
| Healthcare | 93.5 | 110.2 | -15% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.9 | 101.4 | 0% |
| Overall | 91.5 | 97.9 | -7% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kentucky.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kentucky | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $325,000 | $130,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,047/mo | $1,316/mo | $269 |
| Gas price | $3.16/gal | $3.29/gal | $0.13 |
| Electric bill | $89/mo | $103/mo | $14 |
| Infant childcare | $8,756/yr | $11,720/yr | $2,964 |
Salary equivalent: Kentucky → North Carolina
What a Kentucky salary buys you in North Carolina, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kentucky | Equivalent in North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,497 | $-3,497 |
| $75,000 | $80,246 | $-5,246 |
| $100,000 | $106,995 | $-6,995 |
| $150,000 | $160,492 | $-10,492 |
| $200,000 | $213,989 | $-13,989 |
Positive = your money goes further in North Carolina. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
North Carolina is 7% more expensive than Kentucky overall. North Carolina has an index of 97.9 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or North Carolina?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. North Carolina is 7% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $325,000 in North Carolina.
Is Kentucky cheaper than North Carolina?
Yes, Kentucky is 7% cheaper than North Carolina overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is North Carolina more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes, North Carolina is 7% more expensive than Kentucky based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in North Carolina equals $100,000 in Kentucky?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kentucky, you would need approximately $106,995 in North Carolina. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.5 vs 97.9).
How do housing costs compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $325,000 in North Carolina — a $130,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/mo vs $1,316/mo.
What costs more in Kentucky vs North Carolina?
Housing is 20% lower in Kentucky (index 74.8 vs 94). Healthcare is 15% lower in Kentucky (index 93.5 vs 110.2). Utilities is 7% lower in Kentucky (index 88 vs 94.7).
Is gas cheaper in Kentucky or North Carolina?
Gas averages $3.16/gallon in Kentucky and $3.29/gallon in North Carolina — a $0.13 difference per gallon.
Kentucky vs North Carolina cost of living — how do they compare?
Kentucky has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.5 and North Carolina has 97.9 (national average = 100). North Carolina is 7% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Kentucky vs North Carolina 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
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky vs North Carolina Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in North Carolina — 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.