Kentucky vs Pennsylvania Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,967
in Kentucky
$77,240
in Pennsylvania
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 | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 74.8 | 86.8 | -14% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 98.5 | +1% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 108.7 | -19% |
| Transportation | 96.0 | 104.0 | -8% |
| Healthcare | 93.5 | 93.7 | 0% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.9 | 101.2 | +1% |
| Overall | 91.5 | 97.1 | -6% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kentucky.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kentucky | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $270,000 | $75,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,047/mo | $1,215/mo | $168 |
| Gas price | $3.16/gal | $3.64/gal | $0.48 |
| Electric bill | $89/mo | $111/mo | $22 |
| Infant childcare | $8,756/yr | $13,354/yr | $4,598 |
Salary equivalent: Kentucky → Pennsylvania
What a Kentucky salary buys you in Pennsylvania, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kentucky | Equivalent in Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $53,060 | $-3,060 |
| $75,000 | $79,590 | $-4,590 |
| $100,000 | $106,120 | $-6,120 |
| $150,000 | $159,180 | $-9,180 |
| $200,000 | $212,240 | $-12,240 |
Positive = your money goes further in Pennsylvania. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Pennsylvania is 6% more expensive than Kentucky overall. Pennsylvania has an index of 97.1 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Pennsylvania?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Pennsylvania is 6% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania.
Is Kentucky cheaper than Pennsylvania?
Yes, Kentucky is 6% cheaper than Pennsylvania overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes, Pennsylvania is 6% more expensive than Kentucky based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Pennsylvania equals $100,000 in Kentucky?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kentucky, you would need approximately $106,120 in Pennsylvania. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.5 vs 97.1).
How do housing costs compare between Kentucky and Pennsylvania?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania — a $75,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/mo vs $1,215/mo.
What costs more in Kentucky vs Pennsylvania?
Utilities is 19% lower in Kentucky (index 88 vs 108.7). Housing is 14% lower in Kentucky (index 74.8 vs 86.8). Transportation is 8% lower in Kentucky (index 96 vs 104).
Is gas cheaper in Kentucky or Pennsylvania?
Gas averages $3.16/gallon in Kentucky and $3.64/gallon in Pennsylvania — a $0.48 difference per gallon.
Kentucky vs Pennsylvania cost of living — how do they compare?
Kentucky has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.5 and Pennsylvania has 97.1 (national average = 100). Pennsylvania is 6% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Pennsylvania?
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. Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%, one of the lowest in the nation. Use the Kentucky vs Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Kentucky requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Pennsylvania 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
- Kentucky Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Pennsylvania Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Pennsylvania — How much house can you afford?
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Pennsylvania Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Kentucky Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Pennsylvania Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Kentucky Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pennsylvania 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.