Kentucky vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,967
in Kentucky
$82,327
in Texas
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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 74.8 | 79.4 | -6% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 95.3 | +5% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 102.9 | -14% |
| Transportation | 96.0 | 92.9 | +3% |
| Healthcare | 93.5 | 96.8 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.9 | 95.2 | +7% |
| Overall | 91.5 | 91.1 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kentucky.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kentucky | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $295,000 | $100,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,047/mo | $1,112/mo | $65 |
| Gas price | $3.16/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.05 |
| Electric bill | $89/mo | $87/mo | +$2 |
| Infant childcare | $8,756/yr | $10,706/yr | $1,950 |
Salary equivalent: Kentucky → Texas
What a Kentucky salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kentucky | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,781 | +$219 |
| $75,000 | $74,672 | +$328 |
| $100,000 | $99,563 | +$437 |
| $150,000 | $149,344 | +$656 |
| $200,000 | $199,126 | +$874 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Kentucky and Texas have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 91.5 and 91.1 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Texas?
Kentucky and Texas have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Kentucky cheaper than Texas?
Kentucky and Texas cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Texas more expensive than Kentucky?
Kentucky and Texas have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in Kentucky?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kentucky, you would need approximately $99,563 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.5 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $295,000 in Texas — a $100,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Kentucky vs Texas?
Utilities is 14% lower in Kentucky (index 88 vs 102.9). Dining & Misc is 7% higher in Kentucky (index 101.9 vs 95.2). Housing is 6% lower in Kentucky (index 74.8 vs 79.4).
Is gas cheaper in Kentucky or Texas?
Gas averages $3.16/gallon in Kentucky and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.05 difference per gallon.
Kentucky vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Kentucky has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.5 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Kentucky vs Texas 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
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — 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.