Kentucky vs Massachusetts Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $1,125/yr more in Kentucky
$94/mo · $43/paycheck more
$58,968/yr in Kentucky vs $57,843/yr in Massachusetts.
Kentucky
Take-home per paycheck
$2,267.98
$58,968/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Massachusetts
Take-home per paycheck
$2,224.71
$57,843/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Kentucky is 38% lower than in Massachusetts.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,968 in Kentucky has the purchasing power of $36,334 in Massachusetts terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $21,509/yr.
Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.
Tax system comparison
Kentucky: Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Kentucky take-home | Massachusetts take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,605 | $39,855 | + $750 |
| $75,000 | $58,968 | $57,843 | + $1,125 |
| $100,000 | $75,680 | $74,180 | + $1,500 |
| $150,000 | $108,541 | $106,291 | + $2,250 |
| $200,000 | $141,927 | $138,927 | + $3,000 |
| $300,000 | $204,677 | $200,177 | + $4,500 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Kentucky. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Kentucky or Massachusetts?
At a $100,000 salary, Kentucky results in $1,500 more annual take-home pay. Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.
How much more do you take home in Kentucky vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $750/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,250/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $4,500/yr.
Do Kentucky and Massachusetts have the same federal taxes?
Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.
Is it cheaper to live in Kentucky or Massachusetts?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Kentucky is 20% lower than in Massachusetts. Kentucky's Regional Price Parity is 88.3 and Massachusetts's is 110.8 (US average = 100).
Is Kentucky cheaper than Massachusetts?
Yes. Kentucky has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 88.3 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Massachusetts more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to Kentucky (index 88.3). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.
After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?
At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $75,680 in Kentucky has the purchasing power of $60,312 in Massachusetts terms. Conversely, $74,180 in Massachusetts equals $93,082 in Kentucky terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.
Kentucky vs Massachusetts cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 23% different between Kentucky and Massachusetts. Living costs are 12% below the national average Living costs are 11% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Do I need to file state tax returns in both Kentucky and Massachusetts?
Kentucky requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Massachusetts 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. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.
Related tools
- Kentucky vs Massachusetts Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Kentucky?
- How much house can you afford in Massachusetts?
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Massachusetts Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Kentucky Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Massachusetts Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
Kentucky Paycheck Estimator · Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · All states