Kentucky vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $323/yr more in Pennsylvania
$27/mo · $12/paycheck more
$58,968/yr in Kentucky vs $59,290/yr in Pennsylvania.
Kentucky
Take-home per paycheck
$2,267.98
$58,968/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Pennsylvania
Take-home per paycheck
$2,280.38
$59,290/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Kentucky is 6% lower than in Pennsylvania.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,968 in Kentucky has the purchasing power of $55,567 in Pennsylvania terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead by $3,723/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.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Kentucky take-home | Pennsylvania take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,605 | $40,820 | -$215 |
| $75,000 | $58,968 | $59,290 | -$322 |
| $100,000 | $75,680 | $76,110 | -$430 |
| $150,000 | $108,541 | $109,186 | -$645 |
| $200,000 | $141,927 | $142,787 | -$860 |
| $300,000 | $204,677 | $205,967 | -$1,290 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Kentucky. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Kentucky or Pennsylvania?
At a $100,000 salary, Pennsylvania results in $430 more annual take-home pay. Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
How much more do you take home in Pennsylvania vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $215/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $645/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,290/yr.
Do Kentucky and Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Kentucky is 10% lower than in Pennsylvania. Kentucky's Regional Price Parity is 88.3 and Pennsylvania's is 98 (US average = 100).
Is Kentucky cheaper than Pennsylvania?
Yes. Kentucky has a lower cost of living than Pennsylvania (index 88.3 vs 98). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes. Pennsylvania has a higher cost of living (index 98) 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 $68,189 in Pennsylvania terms. Conversely, $76,110 in Pennsylvania equals $84,471 in Kentucky terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead.
Kentucky vs Pennsylvania cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 10% different between Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Living costs are 12% below the national average Living costs are about 2% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Do I need to file state tax returns in both 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. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Pennsylvania Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Kentucky Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pennsylvania 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 · Pennsylvania Paycheck Estimator · All states