Kentucky vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$81,967
in Kentucky
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 74.8 | 118.3 | -37% |
| Groceries | 99.8 | 108.0 | -8% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 98.8 | -11% |
| Transportation | 96.0 | 124.0 | -23% |
| Healthcare | 93.5 | 110.2 | -15% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.9 | 111.2 | -8% |
| Overall | 91.5 | 112.9 | -19% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Kentucky.
What things actually cost
| Item | Kentucky | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $580,000 | $385,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,047/mo | $1,656/mo | $609 |
| Gas price | $3.16/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.53 |
| Electric bill | $89/mo | $90/mo | $1 |
| Infant childcare | $8,756/yr | $20,677/yr | $11,921 |
Salary equivalent: Kentucky → Washington
What a Kentucky salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Kentucky | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $61,694 | $-11,694 |
| $75,000 | $92,541 | $-17,541 |
| $100,000 | $123,388 | $-23,388 |
| $150,000 | $185,082 | $-35,082 |
| $200,000 | $246,776 | $-46,776 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Washington is 19% more expensive than Kentucky overall. Washington has an index of 112.9 vs 91.5 for Kentucky (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Washington?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Washington is 19% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $580,000 in Washington.
Is Kentucky cheaper than Washington?
Yes, Kentucky is 19% cheaper than Washington overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Washington more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes, Washington is 19% more expensive than Kentucky based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Kentucky?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Kentucky, you would need approximately $123,388 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.5 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Kentucky and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Kentucky. Median home prices are $195,000 in Kentucky vs $580,000 in Washington — a $385,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,047/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Kentucky vs Washington?
Housing is 37% lower in Kentucky (index 74.8 vs 118.3). Transportation is 23% lower in Kentucky (index 96 vs 124). Healthcare is 15% lower in Kentucky (index 93.5 vs 110.2).
Is gas cheaper in Kentucky or Washington?
Gas averages $3.16/gallon in Kentucky and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.53 difference per gallon.
Kentucky vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Kentucky has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.5 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). Washington is 19% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Kentucky vs Washington 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
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Kentucky vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Kentucky — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — 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.